3 passengers injured as iron pole falls on moving train in Chhattisgarh
3 passengers injured as iron pole falls on moving train in Chhattisgarh Three passengers were injured after an iron pole located near the tracks fell on a coach of a moving train on the outskirts of Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur on Sunday, officials said. The incident took place at around 9.30 am when the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai)-bound Shalimar Express was passing through Urkura railway station ahead of the Raipur station, a rail official here said. As per preliminary information, the trackside iron pole fell on the moving train causing damage to window panes of an AC coach and injuring three passengers, including a boy, he said. After the train reached Raipur station, the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police and other rail personnel rushed to the affected coach and administered first aid to the injured passengers, the official said. The injured persons were later shifted to a local hospital, he said. The train left for its destination at around 12 noon, the official said. The utility of the pole near the tracks was yet to be known and an investigation was launched into the incident, he added.
Chhattisgarh CM accuses Priyanka Gandhi of lying about rice distribution under PDS
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had accused Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of spreading lies about the quantity of rice given to people under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the state. The Congress habit of lying will not go away so easily, Sai said in a post on X on Saturday night. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Chhatisgarh turncoats to step up BJP campaign against Kumari Selja
RAIPUR: The BJP has reached out to former Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh to campaign against its arch-rival candidate Kumari Selja at Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency in Haryana. Interestingly, most of these ex-Congress leaders have worked with former union minister Selja when she was the party in-charge in Chhattisgarh and now will campaign against her. The saffron party has roped-in at least a dozen leaders who deserted Congress and joined the BJP after the Assembly poll debacle in December last year. After the defeat, several disgruntled Congress leaders, office-bearers and senior cadres of the party organisations had then joined the BJP in Chhattisgarh. Selja succeeded P L Punia in December 2022 as Chhattisgarh state in-charge and after the results of the Assembly polls, was replaced by a former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot on December 23 last year. Congress has nominated its general secretary Selja as its candidate from the SC-reserved Sirsa constituency. She is pitted against the BJPs Ashok Tanwar, who was former Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee and president of Youth Congress. Tanwar joined Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and later resigned to join BJP in January this year. The political pundits predicted a tough contest between the two former chiefs of the state Congress and as the poll battle remains evenly poised. Both had earlier been elected as the Member of Parliament from Sirsa constituency. The BJP insiders stated that the party will secure positive votes in its favour, but will leave nothing to chance to boost an intense election campaign to clinch maximum Lok Sabha seats. Some of the prominent ex-Congress leaders who left to campaign in Sirsa seat included former MLA Shishupal Sori, ex-JCCJ MLA Pramod Sharma, former general secretary Chandrashekhar Shukla, state president of OBC wing Chauleshwar Chandrakar, ex-Mayor Bilaspur Wani Rao, Tulsi Sahu, Anita Rawte among others.
Five of family axed to death in Chhattisgarh village
In Thargaon village, Chhattisgarh's Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, a tragic incident occurred where five family members were hacked to death. The victims were Hemlal Sahu, Jagmoti Sahu, Meera Sahu, Mamta Sahu, and Ayush. Another villager, Manoj Sahu, was found hanging in the same house. Police, with local support and TNN assistance, are investigating the crime scene and collecting evidence.
Barabanki: Baghel claims Rahul could not attend rally as permission not given to land chopper, DM dismisses charge Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday claimed that authorities did not permit Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's helicopter to land in Barabanki where he had to attend a rally, but the district administration denied the allegation as ''baseless''. Addressing the Nyay Sankalp rally organised in Haidergarh here, Baghel alleged that Rahul Gandhi could not come to Barabanki as the district administration did not issue permission for the landing of his helicopter till late at night as the BJP was ''scared'' of Gandhi. Countering the Congress leader's charge, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar, in a statement issued here, said that Congress Lok Sabha candidate Tanuj Punia had applied for permission for a helipad at Rahul Gandhi's rally venue on May 15, for which the district administration had granted permission on May 16. He said that Punia wrote a letter to the District Election Officer on May 17 stating that the pre-scheduled programme of the former Congress president was cancelled due to some urgent work, hence Baghel will attend that programme as the chief guest and address a public meeting. Kumar said that taking cognisance of the letter by Punia, the district administration had granted permission for Baghel's public meeting on May 18. ''In such a situation, the allegation levelled by Congress leaders on the district administration during the public meeting is completely false and baseless,'' he said. The District Magistrate also made public copies of the correspondence between Punia and the district administration in front of the media. The BJP has fielded Rajrani Rawat against Tanuj Punia in Barabanki, where voting will take place on May 20 in the fifth phase. At the rally was organised in support of Punia, Baghel said, ''The public knows everything and the BJP will not be able to stop Rahul Gandhi with these tactics. The INDIA alliance government is going to be formed.'' Ssenior Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Arvind Kumar Singh said that on June 4, the INDIA alliance ''will bid farewell to the BJP government with great fanfare''.
Those promising to make Odisha number-1 should first concentrate on their own states: Naveen
Bhubaneswar: Lashing out at visiting Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik Saturday said that political tourists promising to make Odisha number one in the country should first concentrate on their own states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of BJP-ruled Assam, Chhattisgarh and []
Heavy Rain Provides Relief to Sweltering Hyderabad, Causes Traffic Chaos
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad experienced heavy rain and 40 kmph winds on Saturday, providing a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat that had persisted until the afternoon. The rain, which began with heavy downpours in various parts of the city, intensified later. The rain caused significant traffic jams across the city. Roads in places like Miyapur, Chandanagar, Serilingampally, and Medchal were heavily waterlogged. According to the TS Development Planning Society (TSDPS), Miyapur received 45 mm, Chandanagar 38 mm, and Serilingampally 42 mm of rainfall. Power supply was interrupted in many areas, and roads turned into ponds. The IMD has forecast rain for five days. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the GHMC and civic staff and officials to remain active. Floodwaters accumulated on the National Highway near Chintalkunta in Vanasthalipuram, causing vehicles to come to a standstill between Panama and LB Nagar. Heavy rains lashed Medak district. Sangareddy experienced thunderstorms and heavy rain. The weather centre said mentioned that a cyclonic circulation persisted from southern Chhattisgarh through Telangana and Rayalaseema to southern interior Karnataka, causing rain. Moderate to heavy rain fell in many districts across the state, resulting in crop losses. Paddy at market yards and with rice millers was reportedly damaged. Revanth Reddy announced the implementation of a crop insurance scheme for farmers who suffered crop losses due to unseasonal rains. Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka announced that the government would cover the premium costs to avoid burdening the farmers. Seethakka, campaigning for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli, made this announcement through a press note on Saturday and added that the government would purchase all the paddy irrespective of its condition. The GHMC and the HMWS&SB stepped in to resolve rain-related complaints and sewage overflow issues. From 2 pm to 8 pm, the Disaster Response Force received 37 complaints of which 29 had been resolved and work was under progress on the others. This included 16 complaints of tree branch fall or uprooted trees, eight of which were resolved. All 21 complaints of waterlogging were attended to.
LOPAR likely to concentrate into Depression over BoB May 24: IMD
Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22 which will move initially northeastwards and concentrate into a depression over central parts of the Bay of Bengal, May 24, IMD said. It said Fridays trough runs from south Chhattisgarh to the Comorin area and now runs from []
BJP Will Form Govt In Odisha This Time: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today said, This time the government is changing in Odisha and the BJP will form the new government after the elections. Sai has been continuously campaigning for BJP candidates in Odisha and said that he has covered six parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly segments in 5 days. The [] The post BJP Will Form Govt In Odisha This Time: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Man kills five of family including woman who had rejected his marriage proposal; hangs himself
Man kills five of family including woman who had rejected his marriage proposal; hangs himself A 32-year-old man allegedly murdered five members of a family including a married woman who had rejected his marriage proposal and her minor son before committing suicide in Chhattisgarh's Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district on Saturday, police said. The grisly incident took place in the wee hours at Thargaon village under Saliha police station limits, some 200 km from Raipur, district Superintendent of Police Pushkar Sharma told PTI. Those killed were identified as Hemlal Sahu (55), his wife Jagmoti Sahu (50), their daughters Meera Sahu (30) and Mamta Sahu (35), and Meera's son Ayush (5). Accused Manoj Sahu, a resident of the same village, was found hanging in another room, the official said. After being alerted by locals, a police team rushed to the spot and sent the bodies for autopsy, the official said. As per preliminary information, Manoj, armed with an axe, entered the house and killed the victims when they were asleep and then hanged himself with a saree, the SP said. Manoj was a tailor by profession and had proposed marriage to Meera years ago but she had rejected the proposal, Sharma added. ''In 2017, a First Information Report was registered against Manoj for allegedly assaulting Meera and her family members. The trial in the case was underway,'' he added. Meera's husband works in Raipur and she was visiting her parents' house with her son, the police official said. Manoj was unmarried. A case has been registered and further probe is underway, the SP said.
Heavy rain forecast for state in last week of May
Visakhapatnam : A low pressure area is likely to form over southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is likely to move initially northeast-wards and concentrate into a depression over central parts of Bay of Bengal around May 24. It is too early to assess its path and forecast whether it will intensify into a deep depression and cyclone. But the system will bring in heavy rains throughout the last week of May over north coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, said senior scientist at IMD Amaravati Dr. S. Karunasagar. A source said conditions are favourable for further intensification of the system. However, as there are dissimilarities between models and forecasts, it would be difficult to say further without more clarity. Karunasagar said the system is likely to propel the southwest monsoon towards the Kerala coast. The monsoon might touch Kerala on June 1 as per the usual schedule and Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh on June 5 or June 6. Currently, a trough from south Chhattisgarh to Comorin area is running to south interior Karnataka across Telangana and Rayalaseema 3.1 km above mean sea level. The cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema and adjoining north Tamil Nadu extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level has become less marked. Under these two systems, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty wind with speed reaching 3040 kmph are likely at isolated places over north coastal and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from Sunday to May 22.
Five Of Family Killed, Man Found Hanging In Chhattisgarh's Sarangarh-Bilaigarh District
The incident took place at Thargaon village under Saliha police station limits, around 200 km from Raipur, district Superintendent of Police Pushkar Sharma said
Nadda rejects opposition claims, says BJP will retain North in LS polls and will be ahead of Congress in South BJP president JP Nadda has hit out over south mein saaf and north mein haaf' jibe at the party by some opposition parties and asserted that the BJP will retain its Lok Sabha seats in north India while having a lead over Congress in the southern states. In an interview with ANI, Nadda expressed confidence of the BJP winning the Odisha assembly polls and also forming a government in Andhra Pradesh with its allies. He said the BJP will sweep Lok Sabha polls in Odisha and will achieve a landslide victory with its allies in parliamentary polls in Andhra Pradesh. The BJP is in alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) in Andhra Pradesh. Nadda said the BJP will sweep the northern parts of the country in Lok Sabha polls as it did in the 2019 elections. We are keeping ourselves intact in the North and will retain (tally in) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal, Jammu, Haryana, and Delhi, Nadda said. In Andhra Pradesh, we are going to form a government and in the parliamentary election, BJP and TDP are going to sweep. In Telangana, we are getting more than double (of the seats won last time), and in Tamil Nadu also we are getting a good start. We are also opening our account in Kerala and will maintain our seat share in Karnataka, Nadda. The BJP had done very well in Karnataka in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and won 25 of 28 seats. Asked if BJP will retain an equal number of seats, Nadda said they would get 25 and plus, minus one seat might happen. That's why in the South as well, we will have a lead over Congress in the tally. And in East as well we will maintain our tally Nadda said. Leaders of Congress and some other opposition parties have taken south mein saaf and north mein haaf' (wiped out in the south, half in the north) jibes at BJP, claiming that the party will not perform well in the Lok Sabha polls. Asked if Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is allergic to him and Home Minister Amit Shah, Nadda said she has sensed that Bengal is getting out of her hands. She is allergic to everyone, this time Mamataji has sensed that Bengal is getting out of her hands. We will win a good number of seats in Bengal. They (TMC) will be in a minority, we will have a majority, Nadda said. We will form government in Odisha and BJP will have a landslide victory in the parliamentary election, Nadda said in response to a question. Asked about BJD leader VK Pandian's remarks that BJP does not have a CM face against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Nadda said the party did not have a CM face in states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and emerged victorious in assembly polls. We did not have in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and in Chhattisgarh, he said, adding that the party did not take long to decide its CM candidates after victory in assembly polls. On poll-related violence in West Bengal, Nadda said law and order is a state subject. We (the centre) can support them but Mamata Banerjee's intentions are not clear. Her intention is dubious. He slammed the West Bengal CM over the Sandeshkhali violence and accused her of being silent. She was silent on the case of Sheikh Shahjahan, the High Court had to give the inquiry to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Women were shouting and you even didn't bother, he said. Asked about the allegations of Mamata Banerjee that the Sandeshkhali incident was a conspiracy of the BJP, Nadda said, Dishonest administrator, dishonest politician. If I'm the CM and a case like this comes to me, I'll say that I'll investigate into this. I'll go into the details of it. Why was she quiet at first and later she blamed the BJP. She compromised with the nation for a vote bank. TMC is providing shelter to infiltrators and giving them ID cards and ration cards, making them voters, this is anti-national activitiy They also give protection to such people, Nadda added. BJP President further accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act. She is spreading misinformation about CAA. She's doing anti-national things. CAA will not be given to someone who is coming from outside. Doesn't Mamata understand this, is she so illiterate? No. She understands everything. But she is trying to misguide the innocent people. (ANI)
5 Of Family Hacked To Death, Man Found Dead In Chhattisgarh: Police
Five members of a family were hacked to death while another person was found hanging in Chhattisgarh's Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district on Saturday, police said.
Maoist Carrying Rs 1 Lakh Reward Killed In Encounter In Chhattisgarh
A Maoist, who was wanted in connection with 16 cases and carried a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with the police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday, an official said.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23: IMD
Heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23: IMD Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23 with extremely heavy falls during May 19-21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Southwest Monsoon is very likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, some parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands around May 19, the IMD said. It further said that a cyclonic circulation lies over south interior Tamil Nadu and neighbourhood in low and mid-tropospheric levels. A trough runs from south Chhattisgarh to South Interior Karnataka and another trough runs from Marathwada to a cyclonic circulation over south interior Tamil Nadu in lower tropospheric levels. As per the IMD, under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, south Karnataka and Isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema during next 7 days. The IMD has also predicted isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Coastal Karnataka from May 19-22, South Interior Karnataka from May 21-22, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema on May 18 and Lakshadweep from May 18-21. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe on May 18 and 22 and South Interior Karnataka during May 18-20. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall also very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala during May 19-21, it added. Isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds is very likely over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh on May 18 and 19. Further, according to an IMD release, a cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam and the neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels. The IMD said that under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next seven days. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Sikkim during May 18-20, Arunachal Pradesh on May 18-19, Assam and Meghalaya during May 18-20, Nagaland, Manipur on May 18. Isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over Meghalaya on May 19 and 20, it said. The IMD also said strong surface winds very likely to prevail in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during the next five days. (ANI)
Drogo Drones CEO reveals plan to provide emergency services
HYDERABAD: The CEO of Drogo Drones Pvt Ltd, Yashwant Bonthu, said in Hyderabad on Friday that plans have been made to provide emergency medical services along with air taxis. The company had already signed an agreement with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) for spraying insecticides in 30 lakh acres of farm land in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka and other states. It received permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Krishi 3 drone that provides extensive services in the agricultural sector. Yashwant said that his company will also expand its services to survey, mapping, transportation of products and other sectors. Yashwant said that preparations are being made to establish a drone service hub in important district headquarters across the country and then in mandal centres. The companys latest Krishi 3 Pro drone can spray pesticides over four acres on a single charge and can fly in the air for 24 minutes when its tanks are fully loaded and 42 minutes when empty. So far, drones in the country are capable of spraying only two acres of pesticides on a single charge. With the new drone, farmers can increase their yield by 80% by spraying pesticides on 30 to 35 acres per day. Yashwant revealed that they will invest in setting up a drone service hub across the country and train 1,000 drone operators. Yashwant said that plans have been made to achieve a revenue of Rs 200 crore for the next year.
Chhattisgarh: One Naxal killed in encounter with security forces in Sukma
Chhattisgarh: One Naxal killed in encounter with security forces in Sukma One Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, police said. The incident took place in the area between Tolnai and Tetrai villages. Meanwhile, SP Kiran Chavan has informed that the encounter operations are still underway. Further details are awaited. Earlier on May 10, an exchange of fire broke out between Naxals and security forces in the jungle near Pidiya village in Chhattisgarh. The place where a gunfight broke out between the forces and the Naxals falls under the limits of Gangaloor Police Station. (ANI)
Political tourists of BJP resorting to derogatory, abusive language: Naveen Patnaik
BHUBANESWAR: As campaign has reached a peak ahead of the second phase elections in Odisha on May 20, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday came down heavily on the Union ministers, CMs from other states and others leaders for resorting to what he termed derogatory and abusive language in their campaign meetings and rallies. With the Opposition, particularly the BJP pressing all its might in the state to win the polls by bringing in top ministers, its CMs and top leaders, the chief minister said they were political tourists and their visits would not have any impact on the people of Odisha. Some chief ministers and Union ministers come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha, Naveen told the media. It is most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people here in our state dont appreciate such language, he added. The BJP has launched a campaign blitzkrieg by top leadership of the party who are holding roadshows, addressing public meeting and rallies in constituencies where elections are scheduled to be held in the second phase on May 20. The saffron party campaign has made Odia Asmita or Odia pride its main poll plank, targeting Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician and Naveens close aide VK Pandian for his hold over the regional party and the BJD government. The party has also vociferously raised questions on Naveens health condition and alleged that he has been held captive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already campaigned for party candidates twice in May after visiting the state twice earlier in March. The prime minister conducted a roadshow at Bhubaneswar on May 10 and is scheduled hold another one at Puri on Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma have been frequenting the state and covered almost all the constituencies that are going to polls in phases. On Friday, apart from the chief ministers and Shah, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his cabinet colleague Bhupender Yadav, and BJP MP Hema Malini held meetings at different places of the state.
Maoist Killed In Encounter With Cops In Chhattisgarhs Sukma
Sukma: A Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Sukma district on Saturday. The search operation is still going on to find out other Maoists in that area. The post Maoist Killed In Encounter With Cops In Chhattisgarhs Sukma appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
INDIA bloc will bulldoze Ram temple if it comes to power: PM Modi
LUCKNOW: Claiming that the opposition alliance, especially the Congress, had the intention of reversing the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that if they come to power they would get the temple bulldozed. Addressing a poll rally in Zaidpur in Barabanki on Friday, PM Modi advised the INDIA bloc to learn from CM Yogi Adityanath where to run bulldozers. A senior SP leader had said on Ram Navami that the Ram temple is useless. At the same time, the Congress is preparing to overturn the Supreme Court's decision on the temple. For them, only their family and power matter. If the SP and Congress come to power, they will send Ram Lalla back to the tent and bulldoze the temple, he claimed while asking them to take uition from Adityanath as to where bulldozers should be used. The PM addressed three poll rallies in UP at Barabanki, Hamirpur and Fatehpur on Friday. Underlining that the power of a vote had ended a 500-year wait and led to the enthronement of Shri Ram Lalla in the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the PM took a dig at the opposition saying that they never felt bad witnessing Ram Lalla in a tent. When people used to see Ram Lalla in a tent under the sky, they would abuse the government of the day, said the PM. He launched a scathing attack on the opposition bloc claiming that it was an incohesive conglomerate of power-hungry forces. PM Modi said that opposition parties was still not sure of their PM face and were fighting amongst themselves for the position but would eventually disintegrate like a pack of cards after the Lok Sabha election results on June 4. Modis Babbua & new Bua jibe at Akhilesh and Mamata He added that the shehzada of SP (SP chief Akhilesh Yadav), had a heartbreak when a Congress leader claimed that the people of Rae Bareli would elect the next PM of India. PM Modi was reflecting on the statement of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel that after Indira Gandhi, the people of Rae Bareli were going to elect the Prime Minister of the country. He also hinted at the chinks in the INDI Alliance. Referring to the AAP and Congress, he said, An INDI alliance party has told the other not to mess with it in Punjab. The PM was seeking support for BJP candidate Rajrani Rawat in Barabanki and the partys Mohanlal Ganj candidate and Union Minister Kaushal Kishore. Aware of the caste dynamics of both the reserved constituencies, Modi accused the Congress of insulting SP stalwart and former MP Beni Prasad Verma, a tall Kurmi leader. Even now the SP shehzada is silent, he said. Maintaining that othing is bigger than vote bank for the SP-Congress, Modi said when he exposed them, they became restless and lost sleep. They start saying anything and start hurling abuses. This is a battle between BJP's policy of contentment vs INDIA bloc's appeasement politics: Modi The SP-Congress have surrendered to appeasement. And when Modi is telling the truth to the country, they say Modi is creating Hindu-Muslim divide. Even their vote bank has also started understanding the truth. Our mothers and sisters are happy with the law on triple talaq and are continuously blessing the BJP, Modi claimed. He said that the local MP from the opposition camp, if elected, will have just one task: abuse Modi day and night. People here should aspire for an MP who can work for them and develop their area and so the people have the only option of Kamal (lotus) , he said. Taking a swipe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, the PM said: The Babuaji here, the socialist prince, has now taken refuge under a new Buaji. Apparently referring to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Modi said: The new Buaji in Bengal has said that she would back the 'INDI alliance' from outside. In Fatehpur, the PM took a jibe at the Congress saying its aim was to win just 50 seats in the country so that it could save its honour. He also mocked Rahul Gandhi for contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Rae Baraeli instead of Amethi which he lost to the BJP's Smriti Irani in 2019. Taking a further swipe, Modi said, The dreams of 'panja' (Congress poll symbol) and 'cycle' (SP poll symbol) have shattered 'khata-khat, khata-khat'. Now they are planning for post-June 4 as to who should be blamed for the defeat 'khata-khat, khata-khat'. And, someone was telling me that tickets for foreign trips have also been booked 'khata-khat, khata-khat'. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had used the phrase Khata-khat khata-khat to claim that a fixed stipend would flow into the accounts of poor women if his party came to power. Addressing another rally in Hamirpur, the PM cautioned the people against the inheritance tax allegedly proposed in the Congress manifesto. He said the SP and the Congress would use people's votes to come to power and then gift a part of their property to those who carry out vote jihad for them. Today I have come to caution you against the SP and the Congress. They will take your vote, but after coming to power, they will distribute these gifts to those who do vote jihad for them, he said.
'Political tourists' to have no impact on Odisha people: Patnaik on visit of BJP CMs, ministers
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday denounced the campaign speeches by his counterparts from other states and union ministers terming them as derogatory and abusive, and claimed that those political tourists have no impact on people of his state. In the last few days, a number of BJP CMs and union ministers campaigned in the state, and altogether 14 rallies were addressed by them on Friday at various places across the state. Some chief ministers and union ministers come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear, Patnaik told PTI Videos. CM Naveen Patnaik will sign power subsidy bill right after taking oath, says VK Pandian The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief claimed that the speeches of those political leaders and ministers have no effect on the people of Odisha at all. And it's most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people in our state don't appreciate such language, Patnaik asserted. Pradhan accuses BJD of neglecting Sambalpur, promises development During the last few days, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb and at least eight union ministers along with several senior BJP leaders have campaigned in Odisha, where Assembly and Lok Sabha polls are taking place together. On Friday, four rallies are being addressed by Sarma, three each by Sai and Sharma, two by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and one each by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his cabinet colleague Bhupender Yadav. BJP MP Hema Malini is also speaking at three rallies during the day. People want to give Naveen rest, make BJP form government with two-thirds majority: Nadda
This time change is inevitable in Odisha: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai
The News Mill
Mor Chhaiya Bhuiya 2 - Official Trailer
Watch the Official Trailer from Chhattisgarhi movie Mor Chhaiya Bhuiya 2 starring Man Qureshi, Diksha Jaisawal, Deepak Kumar and Elsa Ghosh. Mor Chhaiya Bhuiya 2 movie is directed and produced by Satish Jain. To know more about Mor Chhaiya Bhuiya 2 Trailer watch the video. Check out the latest Chhattisgarhi Trailers, new movie Trailers, trending Chhattisgarhi movie Trailers, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
'Will Buy Paddy Upon BJP Govt Formation in Odisha': Chhattisgarh CM Sai
He also criticised Naveen Patnaik, claiming he failed to understand the needs of farmers, labourers, and the poor.
Inquiry commission seeks peoples suggestions on Chhattisgarh power purchase agreement
HYDERABAD: The Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice L Narasimha Reddy invited suggestions from the public on the Chhattisgarh power purchase agreement and on Bhadradi and Yadadri power plants. The Commission was constituted to inquire into the correctness and propriety of the decision taken by the Telangana government in 2014 to procure power from Chhattisgarh, without following the process of open competitive bidding and applying for a corridor for 2,000 MW, though the PPA was signed with Chhattisgarh for 1,000 MW power. The Commission will also enquire into decisions taken by the then BRS government with regard to Bhadradri and Yadadri power plants. They (those who wanted to give submissions to the Commission) should ensure that no political issues or attacks on personalities, find place in the representations, the Commission said. Lost in translation However, there was a mistake in the Telugu translation, according to which those who were giving representations should ensure that there would be no political attacks or problems for them. This Telugu version of the advertisement irked the activists. We are puzzled by one sentence within this advertisement, which asks those people who may file information, complaints or inputs before the Commission to determine the political fallout and/or avoid possible threats. The perception of the Commission is this has political ramifications and can lead to attacks on informants. We request the Commission to withdraw this advertisement and also assure potential informants of safety from threats, intimidation, violence and political or administrative vindictiveness, said activists Narasimha Reddy Donthi and K Babu Rao.
People will not tolerate insult to CM: Pandian
BHUBANESWAR: Star campaigner of BJD VK Pandian on Thursday said people of Odisha will not tolerate ministers from Chhattisgarh disrespecting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during their poll campaign and give a befitting reply to them. Launching a marathon campaign in Balangir Lok Sabha constituency during which he addressed election meetings at Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Patnagarh and Loisingha, Pandian said BJP leaders are talking about Odia Asmita but abusing the most popular leader of the state with most disrespectful words. You should give a befitting reply to this, he added. Pandian said an attempt was made to throw footwear at the chief minister during by-poll to Bijepur Assembly constituency, but the BJP candidate lost by over 45,000 votes as people did not accept such behaviour. Similarly, eggs were hurled at the chief minister while he was returning after laying foundation of Srimandir Parikrama project at Puri and the BJP lost the zilla parishad elections, he said. Stating people of Odisha will give a befitting reply to the verbal assault on the chief minister, the star campaigner said BJD will return to power. The BJP leaders do not know to what extent people love the chief minister, he said. Pandian urged the people to respond decisively in the ongoing elections to counter such behaviour. The 5T chairman said the victory margin of the chief minister from Kantabanji will break all records. There were offers from several places for the chief minister to contest and he selected Kantabanji, he said adding this will lead to further development of the region. If any person other than the chief minister wins, it will take the region 25 years back, he said.
The death and disappearance of migrant workers
Lakhs of marginalised people, often from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal come to Hyderabad every year to eke out a living at construction sites. They live hard lives, and are the unseen workers of a city driven by money and power, finds Siddharth Kumar Singh
Enforcement Directorate makes fresh arrest in Chhattisgarh rice milling 'scam' case
Enforcement Directorate makes fresh arrest in Chhattisgarh rice milling scam case
Cong adopts multi-pronged media strategy in polls, 20,000 volunteers spread message
Cong adopts multi-pronged media strategy in polls, 20,000 volunteers spread message The Congress has adopted a multi-pronged social media strategy with Rahul Gandhi directly reaching out to people via the 'speak to the camera' mode on various issues and deploying of 20,000 volunteers spreading the party's messages on WhatsApp platform, party sources said on Thursday. The core theme of the outreach is direct connect with people and get a feedback about their problems, aspirations and come up with solutions in form of party's much talked about Nyay Patra manifesto, they said. According to the sources, more than 88 lakh people have downloaded its manifesto from Congress website so far. Apart from his letter to party workers, rallies and press conferences, Gandhi is connecting directly with people through his interactive sessions such as Yuva Nyay Manch, lectures on Samajik Nyay and his outreach to farmers and women in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. The former Congress president's YouTube channel has 5.6 million subscribers and had about 350 million views in last one month, the sources said, adding his Instagram account has over 190 million views and 7.9 million subscribers. He also has 25.5 million followers on Twitter, 6.3 million followers on his WhatsApp channel and 70 lakh on Facebook. Gandhi had walked more than 4,000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in the Bharat Jodo Yatra and then undertaken the 6,000-km-long hybrid Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai. Through these two yatras, Gandhi engaged with millions of farmers, youngsters, women, labourers, traders, SCs/STs/OBCs, and made a direct outreach to them. This also helped the party to understand the pulse of the ground and shape the campaign keep that genuine feedback from ground, the sources said. Gandhi has been using the 'speak to the camera' mode to reach out to people on various issues. ''There are 20,000 committed volunteers who are directly in touch with more than 5 lakh people via WhatsApp. These volunteers then shared the posts/video messages/You Tube Links instantly with people through WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms,'' a party source said. ''These volunteers are in direct touch with Mr Rahul Gandhi's office. And they regularly provide feedback on each and every content that is being shared/released on social media platforms of his,'' the source said.
Congress follows Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of religious harmony: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Congress follows Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of religious harmony: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday said her party follows the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi who uttered ''Hey Ram'' before dying and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was wrong in accusing it of being anti-religion. ''They accuse us of being against the Hindu religion. We follow Mahatma Gandhi's ideal who had chanted 'Hey Ram' before dying,'' she said, addressing a poll rally at 'Chaudah Mill roundabout,' about 20 km from the district headquarters. She alleged that while the saffron party claims to be a ''champion of Hindu religion,'' the condition of the state-run cowsheds in Uttar Pradesh remains pitiable. ''They accuse us of being against religion for turning down invitations for the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Just look at the condition of the cowsheds in UP where a video showed dogs eating flesh of a dead cow,'' she said. She said that during the Congress rule in Chhattisgarh, the party improved the condition of cowsheds and used to purchase cow dung to aid self help groups running the cowsheds. Priyanka has been canvassing every day in the Rae Bareli constituency, where Rahul Gandhi has thrown in his hat replacing his mother Sonia Gandhi, who had to vacate the seat after being nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. Priyanka highlighted the strong bond the Gandhi family has with the constituency since the days of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. ''Bhaiya (Rahul Gandhi) will follow the tradition after winning the election,'' she said. She accused the Modi government of trying to take credit for free ration scheme by putting his photograph on the papers related to the scheme, saying it was the Congress-led UPA government that brought the Right to Food Act. The Congress leader also lambasted the BJP over frequent question papers leak in UP and promised stringent laws to stop such leaks. She promised doing away with GST on education and scrap Agni-Veer scheme for recruitment in the armed forces if her party comes to power at the Centre. She said her party will restore the earlier method of permanent appointment with pension provision for the army personnel. The Congress general secretary also spoke about creating a Rs 5,000 crore fund to help small entrepreneurs. Voting in Rae Bareli is scheduled in the fifth phase on May 20. BJP has fielded Dinesh Pratap Singh to take on Rahul Gandhi. BSP of Mayawati has given ticket to Thakur Prasad Yadav.
Amity University Bengaluru hosts joint workshop with ISRO on space science and technology
Amity University Bengaluru hosts joint workshop with ISRO on space science and technology Amity University Bengaluru and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) collaboratively organized a workshop focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, and Astrobiology. According to a press release, the event exemplifies the vision of Dr Ashok K. Chauhan Founder and President of the Amity Education Group, who aspires for Amity to become a premier R&D and academic partner of ISRO, making substantial contributions to the space research sector. The workshop was graced by S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, Dr Prakash Chauhan, Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad, and Dr Sudheer Kumar N, Director of Capacity Building & Public Outreach at ISRO, along with other distinguished ISRO scientists. Dr Ashok K. Chauhan virtually inaugurated the event, extending his blessings and gratitude to the participants. The event was also attended by Chancellor Dr Aseem Chauhan, Dr W Selvamurthy, President of Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation (ASTIF), Dr A K Singh, Senior Vice President of Amity Food & Science Technology Innovation Association (AFSTIA), Dr Neeraj Sharma, Deputy Director General of AFSTIA, Dr D Subhakar, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Bengaluru, Dr A W Santosh Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Mumbai, and other notable scientists from various Amity campuses who specialize in AI, Data Sciences in Space, Science & Technology, and Astrobiology. Chancellor Dr Aseem Chauhan welcomed the attendees, expressing deep gratitude to S Somanath for his invaluable presence and guidance. He highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at aligning Amity's and ISRO's goals, appreciating the dedication of all involved in this initiative. Dr W Selvamurthy presented Amity's significant contributions to space science and technology, highlighting projects such as the Amity Space Mission, the Amity Ground Station in Dubai, the Amity Centre for Astrobiology at Amity University Mumbai, the Amity Centre of Ionosphere Studies at Amity University Chhattisgarh, and the Amity Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Amity Noida. He also celebrated the achievements of students from Amity International School, Noida, who have thrice won the first prize in the NASA Space Settlement Design Contest. Dr Selvamurthy concluded by echoing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Dr. Chauhan's mission for Amity to be the foremost R&D and academic partner of ISRO. Dr Prakash Chauhan from NRSC discussed the vast datasets available and the necessity of leveraging advanced technologies like Machine Learning, AI, and Astrobiology for optimal utilization. S Somanath praised Amity University for its initiative in collaborating with ISRO, emphasizing the importance of understanding industry challenges and focusing on translational research with concrete deliverables. I believe that Amity University has the capacity that they can build a strong ecosystem for Space, Science & Technology, stated Dr Somanath. He assured ISRO's support in identifying areas for collaboration and mutual growth, recognizing Amity's potential to build a robust ecosystem for space science and technology. Dr Ashok K. Chauhan expressed deep gratitude to S. Somanath, stating, Amity pays deep gratitude to Dr S Somanath for showing strong faith and confidence in us and I feel obliged by his presence today in this workshop. He emphasized, We will leave no stone unturned to become No. 1 R&D and Academia partner and to prove that Indians have the best brains in the world. Dr A K Singh highlighted a spiritual Hawan ceremony conducted across all Amity campuses during the Chandrayaan-III launch, aligning with the Amity Space Mission initiated by Dr Chauhan. He thanked everyone for their meticulous planning, underscoring the workshop's role in fostering collaboration and outreach activities. He concluded with optimism for fruitful collaborations resulting from the workshop. The inaugural session included introductions from scientists of both ISRO and Amity. Dr Sudheer Kumar N presented ongoing research, focusing on India's goal of a moon landing by 2040, enhancing payload capacity, and capacity building for space missions. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on AI, Data Science, and advancements in Astrobiology, showcasing the collective research achievements and future directions of both institutions. (ANI)
People of Odisha have decided to give rest to Naveen Patnaik: Nadda
Bhubaneswar: Holding a roadshow in the Odisha capital in support of party candidates, BJP president J P Nadda on Thursday asserted that people of the state have decided to give rest to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik by electing the saffron party to power. Nadda, who was standing in a saffron-coloured open-hood vehicle flanked by Bhubaneswar's BJP MP and candidate Aparajita Sarangi and Ekamra-Bhubaneswar assembly seat's party nominee Babu Singh, was seen waving at crowds on both sides of the road during the roadshow from Mausina Chhak to Lingaraj temple. People greeted the BJP president and showered petals on him from buildings on either side of the road, while BJP workers participating in the roadshow waved party flags and raised slogans. Speaking to reporters during the three-km roadshow, Nadda said people's enthusiasm indicates that they have decided to give rest to Naveen Patnaik, who has been ruling Odisha for the last 24 years, and elect a BJP government in the state. Referring to the first phase of simultaneous elections in the state on May 13, when voting was held in four Lok Sabha seats and 28 assembly constituencies, Nadda said, The BJD has missed the bus. Asked on the BJP's probable CM face in Odisha, Nadda said the saffron party had decided on its chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan within three days of the election results. Odisha will also see something similar, he said. Nadda's roadshow in Bhubaneswar was held a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's roadshow in neighbouring Cuttack. Later in the day, Nadda is scheduled to address two public meetings in Bargarh and Sundargarh Lok Sabha seats. The BJP president arrived in Odisha on Wednesday. Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik is also scheduled to take out a roadshow in the state capital in the evening. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will hold a press conference later in the day. He is also scheduled to address a rally at Phulbani in Kandhamal district. His visit came a day after senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed an election rally in Bolangir. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had visited Odisha twice for election campaigning, is set to visit again on May 20. Apart from Union ministers, the chief ministers of BJP-ruled Assam, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have also campaigned in Odisha. Simultaneous elections to the 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state are underway.
NGT takes suo motu cognizance of illegal mining on bank of Gulfula river in Chhattisgarh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to illegal sand mining which is going on on the Bank of Gulfula river near Kusumi in Balrampur District of Chhattisgarh. The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 21.02.2024. As per the news item, illegal mining []
Chhattisgarh Police Seek Google's Assistance in Combating Fraudulent Customer Care Numbers
Chhattisgarh Police Seek Google's Assistance in Combating Fraudulent Customer Care Numbers A senior IPS officer from Chhattisgarh has urged Google to take action over fake customer care numbers of companies being displayed by its search engine. In a letter to the technology company, Durg (Range) Inspector General of Police Ram Gopal Garg said that criminals cheat people by posing as customer care executives of entities like banks, insurance companies, hotels and gas agencies by misusing the Google platform. The fraudsters often use Google advertisements to make fake customer care numbers appear at the top of Google search results, he said in the letter on Wednesday. Based on the Google search results, the users believe that these fake numbers are real and they fall into the trap of these cheaters and provide sensitive as well as confidential information,'' the IGP said. The IGP said in the letter that it was important to take necessary steps to protect citizens from such frauds considering their impact on society. IGP Garg also appealed to the public to join the Cyber Prahari campaign to become aware of rising online frauds.
Adani Energy Solutions acquires Essars Mahan-Sipat transmission assets for Rs 1,900 crore
Shillong, May 16: Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), on Thursday, announced that it has acquired 100 per cent stake in Essar Transco Ltd for Rs 1,900 crore. The acquisition covers a fully operational 400 kV, 673 ckt kms (circuit kilometres) inter-state transmission line, linking Mahan in Madhya Pradesh to Sipat pooling substation in Chhattisgarh. The [] The post Adani Energy Solutions acquires Essars Mahan-Sipat transmission assets for Rs 1,900 crore appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Salman house firing: Haryana native Singh helped co-accused Chowdhary join Bishnoi gang
Salman house firing: Haryana native Singh helped co-accused Chowdhary join Bishnoi gang Haryana native Harpal Singh, the latest person to be arrested in the Salman Khan residence firing case, had helped co-accused Mohammed Rafique Chowdhary, nabbed for funding shooters in the case, join the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after they became friends on social media, the Mumbai police said. Chowdhary and Harpal Singh alias Harry, who has spent time in jail in separate criminal cases, became friends on social media platform Facebook in 2018. Singh later introduced him to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's fan page, said officials of the Mumbai crime branch, which is investigating the April 14 firing outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's home in Bandra. Singh (34), a resident of Sirsa city in Haryana, was apprehended by a team of the Mumbai crime branch from Fatehabad in his home state on Monday evening (May 13). He is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the firing incident and he is a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to the police, Singh was an important link of communication in the firing episode as he was directly in contact with Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, and another gang leader Rohit Gudara. Singh was the one who helped Chowdhary (37), arrested last week for providing financial help to the two shooters involved in the firing, join the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, said an official. He had also added Chowdhary in a WhatsApp group which consisted of other members of the gang, the official informed. Singh was previously arrested in two cases, once in 2022 when there was some issue among the gang members and a case was filed against him. He was in prison for 6 months before coming out. Singh was again nabbed last year in a firing case in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur and spent 11 months in jail, he said. After coming out of the prison, Singh drafted Chowdhary in the gang's plan to fire outside Khan's residence, said the official. Singh had told Chowdhary that if caught, he will be out on bail within three months. Singh was unaware of stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), which make getting bail difficult for an accused, he said. The police have invoked MCOCA in the shooting case. Singh had handed over Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh to Chowdhary to be given to the shooters, Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, both residents of Bihar. The police were trying to ascertain who had provided this money to Singh, said the official. Chowdhary, who had spent years residing in Mumbai, was aware of the city police's working style and had told Singh that if caught he will take his name, the official said. Chowdhary was given the responsibility to conduct a recce of Khan's residence and finance shooters Pal and Gupta for accommodation and other requirements. Chowdhary, arrested from a village in Nagaur district in Rajasthan, used to regularly speak with Anmol Bishnoi and Gudara on Signal and other calling apps, the official said. He had told shooters that Anmol Bishnoi has given him ''bigger task'' than them, he said. After the firing incident, the Mumbai crime branch arrested the shooters first and then the weapon suppliers. As Chowdhary had warned he would take name Singh's if arrested, the latter left his native place and started staying in Fatehabad by changing his looks and identity. However, the Mumbai crime branch managed to trace Singh and nab him, said the official.
Muria tribes own eco-friendly, foolproof seed preservation method
The internally displaced tribal families in Godavari Valley continue to practice the deda method to preserve seeds of pulses and food crops which were handed over to them by their ancestors in Chhattisgarh
An Islamist mob attacked a Sikh man named Jeevandeep Singh in the Bilaspur area of Chhattisgarh because he entered Mini Pakistan wearing a tulsi mala.
Tigeress weight claims life of her four cubs born few hours ago
The Birsa Zoo here in the Jharkhand capital is under the shroud of a gloom after four tiger cubs born to Gauri died within hours in a freak accident. The tigress which was relocated six years back from Chhattisgarh, crushed her newborns under her ...
NGT takes Suo Motu cognizance of illegal sand mining in Janjgir Champa District of Chhattisarh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the illegal sand mining in Janjgir Champa District of Chhattisgarh. The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 27.02.2024. The news item discloses that on the joint action by the Mining and Police Departments from different []
After Mumbai hoarding crash, Raipur civic body seeks structural report of billboards of ad agencies
After Mumbai hoarding crash, Raipur civic body seeks structural report of billboards of ad agencies In the wake of the Mumbai hoarding tragedy, the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) has instructed all advertising agencies to submit a structural report of their hoardings installed in the Chhattisgarh capital, officials said on Wednesday. A giant hoarding collapsed in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai on Monday when the city was hit by dust storms and unseasonal rains, leaving at least 14 dead and injuring several others. RMC Commissioner Abinash Mishra on Tuesday chaired a meeting of directors of various ad agencies and the corporation officials and asked to ensure that the Mumbai like tragedy should not happen in Raipur, a public relations department officer said. Mishra instructed the directors and representatives of more than 90 advertising agencies to submit to the RMC within a week the structural report of their hoardings put up in the city, he said. The ad agencies will have to submit a certificate related to the structural probe to the town and country planning department of the RMC, the official said. The commissioner instructed that no untoward incident should take place in Raipur due to hoardings and all necessary measures should be taken to prevent billboards from falling, he said. A discussion was also held in the meeting on the effective implementation of the advertisement policy within the RMC's jurisdiction, he added.
Close shave for two cops as Naxalites trigger IED blast in Chhattisgarh
The incident took place near Somanpalli village on Kutru-Farsegarh road in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.
CM Naveen Patnaik to give final push to BJD campaign in Rourkela
ROURKELA: Amid fierce fight between the BJD and BJP for the simultaneous polls in Sundargarh district on May 20, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will arrive here on Wednesday to give final push to the partys campaign. BJP too has lined up election rallies of a series of its national campaigners for the simultaneous general elections 2024 for the Sundargarh Lok Sabha (LS) seat and seven Assembly constituencies (ACs) under it. BJDs Rourkela town president Gagan Panda said the CM is scheduled to arrive at the Rourkela airport and address a public meeting at the adjacent airport ground at 11.25 am on Wednesday. Soon, he would leave for Deogarh district at 12.15 pm. Earlier, on May 10 and 11 the 5T chairman and BJD star campaigner VK Pandian had intensively campaigned in all seven ACs through roadshows or public meetings. Incidentally, Union Home Minister and BJP star campaigner Amit Shah was scheduled to address an election rally of BJP at the same venue on the same day at about 3.30 pm. However, it was postponed and Shahs fresh itinerary is likely to be communicated soon. Reliable sources in BJP said, Shah would most likely arrive in Rourkela on May 17 or 18. They said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is also scheduled to address a massive public gathering in Bonai AC on May 17, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav is set to address two election rallies in Bonai and Rajgangpur ACs on May 18. Besides, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai is scheduled to address three election meetings in Sundargarh, Rajgangpur and Birmitrapur Assembly constituencies on May 16 and 17. Rebellion in BJP and Congress puts BJD in pole position in Rourkela
Bhubaneswar/Bijapur: Three days after the police claimed to have killed 12 Naxalites during an encounter in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, locals and activists have alleged that the exchange of fire was fake and those killed were not Maoists. The police Friday had claimed that they had neutralised 12 Naxalites in a forest near Pidia village under []
Congress functionary shot dead in Narayanpur
NARAYANPUR, May 14: Unidentified persons shot and killed a functionary of the Congress party in Chhattisgarhs Narayanpur district, police said on Tuesday. The shooting occurred in the Bakhrupara area of Narayanpur town on Monday night, an official said. The victim, Vikram Bais (40), was riding home on his motorcycle when three to four motorcycle-borne assailants []
Cong to send team to probe claims of killing of Naxals in Cgarh village
The Opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh is planning to send an eight-member fact-finding committee, which includes four legislators, to Pidiya village in Bastar's Bijapur. The purpose of the visit is to investigate the allegations made by villagers that security forces killed 12 tendu collectors in a staged encounter on May 10 and falsely claimed they were Maoists.
Chhattisgarh: Congress Leader Vikram Bais Shot Dead in Bastar
Raipur: A Congress leader in Narayanpur district under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh was shot dead by the unidentified assailants, police said on Tuesday. According to the police, three to four motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on Vikram Bais (40), who was Narayanpur district unit general secretary of Congress, when he was returning home in his two- wheeler late on Monday night. The incident took place in the Bakhrupara area of Narayanpur town, police said. A bullet hit Bais on the chest, causing him to fall off the two-wheeler, and the assailants then fired a shot at his head, killing him on the spot, police said. Police said that prima facie, the incident did not appear to be the handiwork of the Naxalites, but the probe was being done into all angles.
Breaking! 30 Naxalites Lay Down Arms in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur District
In a significant development, 30 Naxalites, including nine with a combined bounty of Rs 39 lakh on their heads, surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Tuesday, according to police sources. Among those who surrendered were six women, who cited their disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and their dissatisfaction with the atrocities committed by Maoists on tribal communities. They made their decision public before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials. The surrender was also attributed to the impressive rehabilitation policy implemented by the police, which seemed to have swayed the Naxalites. The surrendered cadres included Mitki Kakem, also known as Sarita (35), a member of Maoist military company no. 2, and Muri Muhnda, alias Sukhmati (32), a member of platoon no. 32. Both had bounties of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads. Additionally, Rajita Vetti (24), Deve Kovasi (24), Ayta Sodhi (22), and Sinu, a member of battalion no. 1 of the Maoists, carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads. The remaining members, Munna Hemla (35), Aytu Midiam (38), and Aytu Karam (50), were involved in leading 'janatana sarkar' (people's government) groups of the Maoists and had rewards of Rs 1 lakh each. Notably, these nine surrendered cadres were allegedly involved in several attacks on security personnel. As part of the surrender process, each of the surrendered Naxalites was provided with Rs 25,000, and they will now be rehabilitated according to the government's policy. This development marks a total of 76 Naxalites renouncing violence in the district this year alone, signaling a positive trend towards peace and stability in the region. Govt Cracks Down on Telecom Fraud: Blocks 28,000 Phones, Verifies 2 Million Nos Tragic Incident in Jaipur: Cousin Murders Relative Over WhatsApp Message Assam Police Seizes Heroin Worth Rs 7 Crore in Cachar District
Manipur and Haryana set for summit clash at Sr Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy
Manipur and Haryana set for summit clash at Sr Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy Eternal heavyweights Manipur and rising powerhouses Haryana will battle it out in the final of the 28th Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday. The match will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel. The two sides have contrasting pedigree in women's football. While Manipur have been champions of 21 of the 27 editions of the Senior Women's National Football Championship, Haryana have only made their second-ever final. And their first was just last year, when they went down to Tamil Nadu to end up as runners-up. In the last few years, Haryana have emerged as a growing force in the women's game, with an increasing number of national team players both at the senior and youth level. And adding the fact that Haryana edged out Manipur 1-0 in Group B's last match to top the group, it feels difficult to choose a favourite for the final. Manipur will head into the summit clash with redemption in their minds. Not just about their defeat four days ago, but also their poor showing in the last edition in Amritsar, where they shockingly exited in the group stage. Manipur have never gone trophyless in consecutive NFCs, and Haryana have never lifted the trophy, not even coming close until last year. So, whatever happens, Indian domestic women's football history will be created on the Kishore Bharati Krirangan pitch on Wednesday. Manipur have been steamrolling opponents since the qualifying round in November, beating Rajasthan 15-0, Chhattisgarh 4-0 and Uttar Pradesh 8-0 to make the final round without breaking a drop of sweat. They had a smooth start in Kolkata too, decimating Jharkhand 7-0 and Sikkim 9-2 before putting three past both Maharashtra and Odisha. However, the defeat to Haryana saw them slip to second place and meet Group A winners and defending champions Tamil Nadu in the semi-final. But the way Manipur regrouped and found their rhythm again was phenomenal as they outclassed the southerners in a comfortable 2-0 win with goals from 17-year-old Sibani Devi and 34-year-old Bala Devi. The latter has 17 goals to her name, only one behind Railways' Kamala Devi on 18, and will also have an eye on the golden boot. By virtue of being last year's finalists, Haryana were allotted an automatic berth in the final round, which they began with a 1-1 draw with National Games gold-medallists Odisha. They followed that up with four consecutive clean-sheet victories over Jharkhand (2-0), Sikkim (5-0), Maharashtra (3-0) and Manipur (1-0). The semi-final against hosts Bengal went down the wire, and after a goalless 120 minutes, goalkeeper Shreya Hooda's left palm and the woodwork helped Haryana go through to their second straight final. With plenty of India international players on both sides, it promises to be a top-quality battle. Manipur boast of Dangmei Grace's pace down the wings, Shilky Devi's solidity in defence, Kritina Devi and Sibani Devi's youthful exuberance, and Roja Devi's presence in the final third, among others. Haryana's biggest asset has been their defence. They've been the only team to render this free-scoring Manipur side goalless. The defensive trio of Ritu, Varshika and Sharda and custodian Shreya Hooda have let only one goal in 660 minutes. Up front, they are known to utilise width to their advantage, with the likes of Pooja, Neha and Rajni Bala pacing down the flanks and pumping in crosses. In Renu, they have a reliable striker, who is no stranger to scoring goals for the Indian senior team. (ANI)
Why the May 10 Chhattisgarh operation against Maoists has come under a cloud
Why the May Chhattisgarh operation against Maoists has come under a cloud
Unlock your potential and boost your career with the Chhattisgarh State Eligibility Test (CG SET) 2024 conducted by the Chhattisgarh Board of Profession Examination, Raipur. Seize this chance to demonstrate your expertise and qualify for teaching positions in the state of Chhattisgarh. Read on to discover essential details about the application process, important dates, and exam schedule.
Congress functionary shot dead by unidentified assailants in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur
NARAYANPUR: Unidentified persons shot and killed a functionary of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, police said on Tuesday. The shooting occurred in the Bakhrupara area of Narayanpur town on Monday night, an official said. The victim, Vikram Bais (40), was riding home on his motorcycle when three to four motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at him, the official said. A bullet hit Bais on the chest, causing him to fall off the two-wheeler chest, and the assailants then fired a shot at his head, killing him on the spot, he said. The assailants then fled the scene, he said. A police team rushed to the spot, and checkposts were set up in the city to apprehend the assailants, the official said, adding that a case has been registered. Bais had served as the general secretary of the Congress's Narayanpur district unit, and was the incumbent secretary of the Narayanpur Transport Association. When asked about the possible role of Naxalites in the attack, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar said prima facie, the incident did not appear to be the handiwork of the Naxalites, but the police were probing all angles. The body of the deceased was brought to the Congress's office in Narayanpur for last respects before the final rites. Former state minister and Congress leader Mohan Markam paid tribute to Bais and targeted the ruling BJP, claiming that anti-social elements have become active since the saffron party came to power in Chhattisgarh. Markam also claimed that the state government had failed to ensure protection for members of Congress and other political parties.
Pilot Says INDIA Will Form Next Govt, Cong To Get More Seats Than BJP In Two States
Pilot Says INDIA Will Form Next Govt, Cong To Get More Seats Than BJP In Two States Asserting that people are voting for change, senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday exuded confidence that an INDIA bloc government would be formed at the Centre and claimed his party will get more seats than the BJP in both Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister said there was a ''sea change'' from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with the people voting for real change this time. While Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats, Chhattisgarh has 11 parliamentary segments. The Congress had drawn a blank last time in Rajasthan and won only two seats from Chhattisgarh. In an interview with PTI while campaigning here for Rahul Gandhi, Pilot also accused the BJP of seeking votes in the name of religion and said it was doing so as it could not ask for mandate on its performance. ''It is absolutely incorrect to ask for votes in the name of religion. The Ram temple (in Ayodhya) was constructed with the order of the Supreme Court which all of us respected. We have always welcomed it but to seek votes in the name of religion is unbecoming of anybody, especially the ruling party,'' the Congress general secretary said. Urging the BJP to refrain from seeking votes in the name of religion, Pilot said, ''this shows that they (BJP) can't ask for votes on performance, delivery, fulfillment of promises, and that is why they have to resort to this politics of mangalsutra, mandir and masjid and Hindus and Muslims etc.'' ''I think people have moved beyond this and they must talk about real issues and keep religion out of politics,'' he asserted. Talking about his assessment of the ground situation after four rounds of polling, Pilot said his sense is that the Congress and the INDIA bloc candidates are ''surging ahead''. ''That is also reflected in the speeches of the BJP leaders. Top BJP leaders are now making outlandish statements and I get a sense that they have understood that people have voted against them,'' Pilot said. This is an election for change as people have had a government of the same party for 10 years and nothing has been delivered, he said. ''In the four phases of polls that we have had, the Congress and the INDIA bloc are way ahead of the BJP and the NDA,'' the Congress leader said. Pilot said he is absolutely confident that the ''ground is slipping from under the BJP's feet''. ''Come June 4, the INDIA bloc parties plus the Congress will get enough members of Parliament to form a government. The NDA has been given a chance for two consecutive terms and now people want change and the INDIA bloc will get a required majority on June 4,'' Pilot said. Asked about his assessment of his home state Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, he said, ''There is a bipolar contest between the BJP and the Congress. In both the states, we will get more seats than the BJP.'' On whether the Congress is headed for double digits tally in Rajasthan after drawing a blank in the last two Lok Sabha elections, Pilot said, ''absolutely, we will get more seats than the BJP.'' ''There are 25 seats in Rajasthan. Last time we did not get any seats. This time there is a huge change and I can see the atmosphere ' our campaign was better, our candidates were better, our manifesto was better, I think we will get more seats than the BJP in Rajasthan,'' he reiterated. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the Congress will get fewer seats than the age of Rahul Gandhi, Pilot said this kind of random assessment about numbers has no bearing, as ultimately it is the people of India who decide who will get how many seats. ''The BJP has stopped talking about '400 paar' because they have understood that they are on the backfoot, people want a change. Young people, farmers, cities, villages, everyone has decided that they have given them two chances and nothing has come out of it. Therefore people have made up their minds (for change),'' he said. Pilot accused the BJP of making baseless allegations against the Congress. ''The prime minister has himself talked about black money being transported in big tempos, to a party. They should go analyze, assess and investigate. They had promised that they are going to eradicate black money and corruption, when you yourself confess to the statement that has been made, it is very surprising. We are all waiting to see what action is taken on the allegations the PM himself has made,'' he said. Pilot said that on the other hand, the Congress' manifesto speaks for itself and people have liked what it has said. The BJP has not been able to match the Congress' governance track record, he said and added that his party's historical background suggests that when it says something, it means it. ''We will bring a law for MSP purchase, we will give 30 lakh government jobs to people of this country, we are going to increase the MGNREGA payments to Rs 400 a day. I think what has happened now is that when four phases are over, they (BJP) are running out of ideas and making baseless allegations against Mr Rahul Gandhi, Congress or the previous prime minister Manmohan Singh, but it will not pay any dividends,'' he said. The BJP must come forward and debate on real issues and talk about things that matter to the voter and that is what it is avoiding, Pilot said. The Congress on Monday claimed the BJP's graph is on a ''relentless downward trajectory'' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign is getting ''more desperate''. The fourth phase of the seven-phase elections concluded on Monday. The counting if votes will be held on June 4.
Chhattisgarh: 30 Naxalites surrender before security forces in Bijapur district
In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, 30 Naxalites surrendered to security forces, including nine with a combined bounty of Rs 39 lakh on their heads. Six women were among those who turned themselves in. Notable surrenderers included members with rewards ranging from Rs 1 to 8 lakh each. Police said that 76 Naxalites have surrendered in the district this year.
Vraj Iron, Allied Blenders get Sebi nod to raise fund through IPO
Chhattisgarh-based Vraj Iron and Steel and Allied Blenders has received capital markets regulator Sebi's go-ahead to raise funds through respective IPOs.
Southwest monsoon to advance to the Andamans by May 19: IMD
The India Meteorological Department predicts the Southwest Monsoon will advance into the South Andaman Sea, parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal, and Nicobar Islands by May 19, 2024. This will cause diverse weather patterns across India, with isolated to scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds in Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Gujarat state from May 14-17. Other regions, including Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand, are expected to experience scattered to widespread rainfall.
30 Naxalites surrender before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
Bijapur: As many as 30 Naxalites, nine of them carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 39 lakh on their heads, surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Tuesday, police said. The Naxalites, among them six women, turned themselves in before senior officials of the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), citing that they were disappointed with atrocities committed by Maoists on tribals and hollow Maoist ideology, the police stated in a release. The surrendered Naxalites were also impressed by the police's rehabilitation policy, it stated. Of the 30 surrendered cadres, Mitki Kakem alias Sarita (35), a member of military company no. 2 of Maoists, and Muri Muhnda alias Sukhmati (32), a member of platoon no. 32, were carrying bounties of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, the release said. Rajita Vetti (24), Deve Kovasi (24) and Ayta Sodhi (22), all platoon members, and Sinu, a member of battalion no. 1 of Maoists, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads, it said. The others, Munna Hemla (35), Aytu Midiam (38) and Aytu Karam (50), were active as heads of 'janatana sarkar' (people's government) groups of Maoists, and they carried rewards of Rs 1 lakh each, the release added. These nine cadres were allegedly involved in multiple attacks on security personnel, it said. The surrendered Naxalites were provided Rs 25,000 each and will be rehabilitated as per the government's policy, it said. According to the police, 76 Naxalites have so far quit violence in the district this year.
Chhattisgarh CG SET 2024 registration begins at vyapamonline.cgstate.gov.in, direct link to apply
Chhattisgarh Board of Professional Examination starts online applications for CG SET 2024. Exam on July 21, 2024, in two shifts. Apply on vyapam.cgstate.gov.in with postgraduate degree. Check Official advertisement for eligibility details.
Booth ease for voters in Swabhiman Anchal
BHUBANESWAR/MALKANGIRI: For the first time, Swabhiman Anchal voters exercised their franchise from the comfort of their own booths. Unlike last elections in 2019 when voters of nine panchayats of the erstwhile cut-off area - also a Maoist hotbed - under Chitrakonda segment had to vote at a single Border Security Force (BSF) camp at Jantapai, this time 23 polling booths were set up for them across the region. Voters of the nine panchayats lined up outside the booths since morning to vote. Officials of CEO said last time people from far-flung areas like Dhuliput, Sarkubandh, Andrapali and Panasput in Swabhiman Anchal had to travel several kilometres to reach the polling booth at Jantapai with a lot of difficulty as a result of which, the voting percentage was a meagre 25.77 per cent. This election, the approximate voter turnout in Chitrakonda segment was more than 65 pc. In the last five years, the administration has connected villages within Swabhiman Anchal by constructing all weather roads and bridges. Construction of basic infrastructure paved the path for setting up of polling stations in these villages. People of the Swabhiman area have reciprocated well to these efforts and the voting percentage was 21 per cent by 11 am. This is a milestone in every sense, said CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal. The polling was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the district. Likewise, Bonda tribals and residents of Maoist-infested Tulsi village bordering Chhattisgarh under Mathili police limits also voted in large numbers. Collector and district election officer Sachin Pawar and SP Nitesh Wadhwani oversaw the arrangements and also voted in Malkangiri town. The collector informed that the district recorded approximately 67.30 pc polling till 7 pm on Monday. While Chitrakonda Assembly segment reported 68.01 pc voter turnout, it was 66.6 pc in Malkangiri segment.
PM Modi seeks blessings at Dashashwamedh Ghat ahead of Varanasi nomination
PM Modi seeks blessings at Dashashwamedh Ghat ahead of Varanasi nomination Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga here on Tuesday morning before his nomination filing from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. He also performed aarti at the ghat amid chanting of Vedic mantras. In a post in Hindi on X, Modi said, ''My relationship with my Kashi is amazing, inseparable and incomparable... all I can say is that it cannot be expressed in words!'' He is eyeing a hattrick in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, which he had won for the first time in 2014. The prime minister held a dazzling roadshow in Varanasi a day ago and vowed to do a lot more to serve the holy city in his third term. A day later, he posted a clip from his Monday's roadshow on 'X' and said, ''The love and blessings that my family members of Kashi showered on me during the road show has become an unforgettable moment in my life.'' Several Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Modi to the collectorate for his nomination filing on Tuesday. The BJP's NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to be present. Besides Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Himanta Biswa Sharma (Assam), Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim) and Manik Saha (Tripura) are also likely to attend the prime minister's nomination filing. Following the nomination process, Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Voting in Varanasi will take place in the seventh phase on June 1.
PM offers prayers at Varanasi Ghat, to file nomination shortly
Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga here on Tuesday before filing his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.He also performed aarti at the ghat amid chanting of Vedic mantras. Several Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Modi to the collectorate for his nomination filing. The BJP's NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to be present. Besides Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Himanta Biswa Sharma (Assam), Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim) and Manik Saha (Tripura) are also likely to attend the prime minister's nomination filing. Following the nomination process, Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Voting in Varanasi will take place in the seventh phase on June 1.
Pradhan tried to derail Parikrama project: BJD
BHUBANESWAR: BJD asserted it will win all the four Lok Sabha and 90 per cent of the Assembly seats that went to polls in the first phase in the state on Monday. Coming down on BJP, BJDs national spokesperson Amar Patnaik, Rajya Sabha member Sulata Deo and spokesperson Swayam Prakash Mohapatra alleged the drama enacted by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi over Puri Srimandir Prakalpa and the Ekamra project has not been forgotten by people of Odisha. Stating the two leaders had hatched a conspiracy and approached the Archaeological Survey of India and National Monument Authority to stall the projects, the BJD leaders alleged matter was later taken to the Supreme Court. But despite all such hurdles created by the two leaders, the projects were completed. Referring to Pradhans statement on the day that he supported the Parikrama project, the BJD leaders said this is a reflection of the opportunistic double standards of the union minister. He changes his stand to suit his interests, they added. The BJD leaders alleged the union minister has engineered the egg attack on the chief minister while he was returning from Puri after laying foundation of the Srimandir project. This had angered the people of Odisha and this reflected in the results of the zilla parishad polls where BJD won in all 30 districts. Similarly, chappals were thrown at the chief minister while he was campaigning for Bijepur by-poll in 2018 and the people responded by handing over defeat to the BJP candidate. In this election too, Pradhan is showing disrespect to the chief minister and people have already decided to teach him a lesson, they added. Alleging Pradhan sacrificed the interests of Odisha and supported Chhattisgarh on the Mahanadi issue for a Rajya Sabha berth, the BJD leaders alleged he is now showing his love for the state to protect his interest. Earlier, organisational secretary of the party Pranab Prakash Das and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra in their posts on X had stated that the BJP is going to announce their chief ministerial candidate in the press conference. Patra had stated that the BJP is going to announce a woman as the chief minister. But after the BJP press conference focused on the low points of the BJD government, Patra again posted that if the party had announced the chief minister candidate, it would have been divided into four factions.
Bhubaneswar region fares well in CBSE boards
BHUBANESWAR: Close to 92 per cent students in Bhubaneswar region cleared the All India Secondary School Examination (Class X) and 83 per cent passed Class XII All India Senior School Certificate Examination, results of which were declared by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday. Bhubaneswar region comprises three states- Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. As per CBSE reports, while the overall national pass percentage is 93.6, at least 92.03 per cent students who took the Class X exam in Bhubaneswar region cleared it. The region secured 13th rank among the 17 in terms of overall pass percentage in All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) - 2024, with Trivandrum, Vijayawada, Chennai and Bengaluru scoring the highest pass percentage between 99.7 and 99.2 per cent. Girls yet again outperformed boys in the examination. AISSE-2024 marked a slight drop in last years Class X examination when Bhubaneswar region scored 93.64 pass percentage. The examination was held from February 15 to March 13. As far as Class XII results are concerned, around 83.34 per cent students of Bhubaneswar region cleared the examination, again securing 13th position amongst 17 regions in the country. As per reports, of 1,08,063 students of 1,237 schools who appeared AISSE-2024, a total of 90,062 cleared it. Pass percentage of girls stood at 85.66 per cent while that of boys was 81.41 per cent. As many as 9,620 students are in the compartment category. Among the three states under the region, 37,126 students of Odisha appeared for the Class XII examination and 30,018 of them cleared it, registering a pass percentage of 80.85. West Bengals pass percentage was 88.39 while that of Chhattisgarh was the lowest at 79.69. Among the different categories of CBSE schools in the state, Class XII students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) scored the highest pass percentage of 98.46 followed by 97.44 per cent in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV), 85.75 per cent by independent CBSE schools and 63.83 per cent by government schools. Similarly, among the different categories of students, 81.94 per cent of OBC students of Bhubaneswar region scored passed the Class-XII exam while it was 79.89 per cent in case of SC students and 70.73 per cent in ST students. In Odisha, the pass percentage of OBC students was 82.27 and 72.56 per cent in case of SC students besides, 65.04 per cent ST students cleared the exam. Results at a glance 92 per cent students in Bhubaneswar region passed Class X exam. 83 per cent passed Class XII. 30,018 students from Odisha cleared the exams. JNVs register highest pass percentage of 98.46 pc.
PM Modi Leads Grand Six-Kilometer Roadshow in Varanasi Before Nomination Filing
New Delhi/Varanasi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a six-kilometre-long roadshow in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, which was decked with posters and garlands throughout the route. Mr Modi will file his nomination papers on Tuesday from Varanasi for the third time as the BJP-led NDA chases an ambitious target of 400 paar. Before beginning his roadshow, the PM garlanded the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya outside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Mr Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP UP chief Bhupendra Chaudhury. Beginning from the famous Lanka Chowk right outside the BHU, the roadshow ended near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and along the route passed through nearly 120 big and small temples and various ghats. Later, the PM offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1. The mega roadshow passed through Sant Ravidas Gate, Assi, Shivala, Sonarpura, Jangambadi and Godaulia. The roadshow reverberated with the sounds of conches, dhols and damrus to welcome the PM. Hundreds of people were seen in saffron attire while people from different states in their traditional attire were also part of the gathering. People lined the barricaded roads, some of them holding saffron flags, balloons and small trishuls. Small stages were set up along the route where cultural performances were held. Cutouts of famous people from Kashi were also installed in many places. People from different communities, including Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Maheshwari, Marwari, Tamil and Punjabi, welcomed Mr Modi at 100 points in 11 zones marked out on the route of the roadshow. Two hours after the roadshow began from the Malviya Chauraha in Varanasis Lanka area, the Prime Minister reached the Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers. The PM also shared a video of the roadshow on the social media platform X and said, Kashi is special... The warmth and affection of the people here is unbelievable. The PM will spend the night at the BLW guest house. On Tuesday, the PM will file his nomination papers after offering prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple. Mr Modi may also offer prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga around 9 am, a BJP statement issued in Lucknow said. As per his itinerary, the PM may also take a cruise trip to the Namo Ghat in the city ahead of filing nomination papers. Following the nomination process, Mr Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Mr Modi is also expected to take a dip in the Ganga river on the occasion of Ganga Saptami on Tuesday. Several ministers, including Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of the BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Mr Modi to the collectorate. The BJPs NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to attend, the statement said. Besides UP CM Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar of Bihar, Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand, Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh, Vishn Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh, Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra, Bhajan Lal Sharma of Rajasthan, Himanta Biswa Sharma of Assam, Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana, Pramod Sawant of Goa, Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim and Manik Saha of Tripura are also likely to attend the Prime Ministers nomination filing.
Shikha Mukerjee | The K-factor forces the BJP to play catch-up
There is nothing more dangerous than an injured prey, as every predator, huntsman or tiger knows. The instinct for survival urges flight or fight; Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal launched his fightback as he stepped out of Delhis Tihar Jail last week, with a promise to defeat dictatorship. The Delhi chief minister warned that Narendra Modis mission was to establish One Nation-One Leader, by locking up Opposition and even BJP leaders, whoever presented an alternative and challenge to the helmsman. Cry Havoc! And, let slip the dogs of war is exactly what Mr Kejriwals opening salvo sounds like. The havoc Mr Kejriwal promises is a ferocious polarisation for and against the Prime Minister. The vehemence and speed of BJP organisational and strategic mastermind Amit Shahs response to Mr Kejriwals provocative question Who will be the BJPs prime ministerial face? and his equally irritating reply, Amit Shah will be installed when Modi steps down in September when he reaches 75, is a measure of the AAP leaders impact and potential for disruption. As the country voted in the fourth phase of the general election on Monday, the Kejriwal factor is exactly what the BJP and Mr Modi did not need. Even as voter turnout increased in Phase 3, the fact is there is no wave, not even a ripple for Mr Modi in the 2024 election. His return to campaigning is exactly the morale booster that regional parties and leaders needed. His warning that Trinamul Congress founder Mamata Banerjee could be picked up by the agencies any time is confirmation of the West Bengal chief ministers suspicions that Mr Modis strategy for winning the 2024 election includes picking up and deactivating regional leaders by sending them to jail. By calling on regional party and locally influential leaders to strengthen their mobilisation and wage war against the BJP, Mr Kejriwals gamble is obvious; consolidation for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance bloc parties to defeat Mr Modi and his champions. It also plays on the sentiments of aggrieved BJP leaders and their constituents who have been restless after Modi-Amit Shah-J.P. Nadda announced a list of candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls that had a significant number of defectors from other parties, especially the Congress, succeeded in affronting the touchy Kshatriya vote and managed to ruffle tribal and Dalit communities who remain unconvinced that the BJP return will not mean dismantling reservation as they have known it since 1950. As social media speculation picks up speed at the possibility of the BJP losing seats in its bastions from Gujarat to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, Mr Kejriwals dire warnings will feed into the sprawling network of information, both confirmed and verified and the unverifiable. It has already started with BJP reacting with a loud assertion that it will win 400-plus seats, suggesting the party feels it imperative to counter Mr Kejriwal. Getting the pitch and the perception right in a campaign matters immensely; in 2014, Mr Modis pitch of Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas and the Gujarat model of economic growth coupled with the Ram Mandir mesmerised voters. His aggressive masculinity embodied in the 56-inch chest claim contrasted vividly against the low-key persona of Manmohan Singh. In 2024, Mr Modi began with Viksit Bharat, a target with a meaningless end-date of 2047. From Phase 2, Viksit Bharat was abandoned as Mangalsutras-Muslims- Inheritance Tax and the Pakistan conspiracy took over. The shifting narrative has to be reconfigured to take on Mr Kejriwal and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc or it has to face up to acknowledging it is running away from the verbal fight in what is now a boxing match without parallel in Indias electoral history. The BJP has never ever faced a challenge of this order, where it is neither in control of its own narrative nor of the wider political discourse. As it lumbers through the initial stages of playing catch-up, the BJP looks exactly like any other party, struggling to keep up with the competition. The line Mr Kejriwals incarceration and release has drawn separates the anti-BJP from the BJP; in other words, the enemy is common to all the parties inside and outside the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. This is as crafty and as risky as it can get; but Mr Kejriwal seems confident of pushing his friends in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, including the Congress, to fight harder in the remaining phases of the seven-phase election. It may be just the tonic required to push the alternative over the edge and to ensure that the AAP sweeps up more seats in Delhi than the BJP, which won all seven seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The two big issues that the K factor has dragged out of the shadows and into the limelight are corruption-abuse of power and more and better public welfare measures. Rattled by the forced disclosure of which party got how much through the now-defunct electoral bonds, the BJP led by Mr Modi launched a damage limitation exercise. The reprieve that the Modi government had wrestled to acquire by front-loading religious identity politics and reverting to the BJPs time-tested communally divisive agenda provoking majoritarian paranoia is over. The political discourse had already begun slipping away from the BJP and Mr Modi before Mr Kejriwals re-entry as a wounded prey. Neither the BJP nor Mr Modi are setting the agenda in this election; with each phase the Opposition seems to be dominating the discourse with its own spiel pushing the ruling party into resorting to creative and far-fetched reconstructions of speeches and manifestos that only make it worse. The K factor and its ripple effect across India has increased Mr Modis workload, amidst the absence of a wave and uncertainty over voter turnout. And, for two reasons: one, regional and smaller parties, especially those in power and those that have been in power in the states share a close connect with their constituents backed up by a lattice of relationships within which they are locally embedded; and two, their capacity to mobilise and get the vote out. The BJP is no match for the efficiency of regional parties and locally influential leaders. It has also made it more difficult for the BJP and its star campaigner to bash the Congress as the greatest enemy of the people for 70 years. The unity within the Opposition, despite the rivalry between partners of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, is a challenge. An Opposition gifted an icon is a problematic adversary. Mr Modi has to turn the K factor into a dud, an improvised explosive device that failed to ignite. We are now at a turning point.
Raipur: Sahib Singh Hora scores 97.6 per cent in CBSE Class 12 exams, aims to become a psychologist
Raipur: Sahib Singh Hora scores 97.6 per cent in CBSE Class 12 exams, aims to become a psychologist Sahib Singh Hora, a student of Krishna Public School in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has secured 97.6 per cent in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 examination. The CBSE released the results for the Class 10 and 12 exams on Monday. In the CBSE Board's Class 12 examination, a total of 87.98 percent of students passed this year. Sahib Singh Hora achieved 97.6 percent in Arts and Humanities and he aims to become a psychologist in the future to serve people. I was very happy when I found out that I scored 97.6 per cent. I informed my family about it, and they were all very pleased. I used to prepare for the board exams at night. I would sleep at 6:00 PM and wake up at 12:00 AM to study until 6:00 AM. Since the school authorities said that English is the toughest subject, I focused more on English and Economics. I prepared more for Economics because it's a numerical subject, Hora said. There are many disturbances during the day, and family members also call for various tasks, so I prefer studying at night. In my childhood, I wanted to become many things, but later, observing people around me suffering from depression and psychological illnesses, I decided to become a psychologist. With the world advancing rapidly, there could be many psychological illnesses in the future, so I decided to become a psychologist, he added. Sahib's family has been a pillar of support throughout his academic journey, said his grandmother, Ranjeet Hora. I am very happy that my grandson has scored very well. Sahib has always been very good in studies. Our entire family supported him in his studies. He used to study according to his own schedule, and as long as he wanted to study, he would. It's great that he wants to become a psychologist in the future, and we will strive to make him a doctor, Ranjeet said. His mother, Mona Hora, echoed the sentiment, saying, I am very happy and proud that Sahib has scored so well. The whole family is proud of him. Sahib is a night learner, and we never pressured him to study at a specific time. I wanted Sahib to pursue UPSC, but he wants to become a psychologist. We will support him in whatever he wants to become. We have never put any pressure on him. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Couple Hug While Riding Bike, Cop Shoots Video And Issues Challan
The video shows the woman seated on the fuel tank of a KTM bike, facing her partner, as they embraced each other during the ride.
Chhattisgarh: 14 Naxalites, including 11 with cumulative bounty of Rs 41 lakh, held in Bijapur
Chhattisgarh State Eligibility Test 2024: Apply Online Now for CG SET Exam
The Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (CGPEB), also known as CG Vyapam, has announced the commencement of the Chhattisgarh State Eligibility Test (CG SET-2024). This notification invites eligible candidates to participate in the examination, a crucial step for those seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges of Chhattisgarh.
SAIL-NTPC Partnership Set To Install Chhattisgarh's First Floating Solar Power Project
Odisha enters the ballot phase on May 13 in high stake southern belt
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is all set to enter the poll arena with voting for four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly constituencies to go underway in the high stake battlefield across the southern districts on Monday. Around 62.87 lakh voters, including 30.97 lakh male and 31.89 lakh female, will exercise their franchise at 7,303 booths in the first of the four phase elections in the state. Of them around 1.75 lakh are first timers. As many as 37 candidates are in fray from Koraput, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Kalahandi Lok Sabha seats while 243 candidates are in the race from the 28 Assembly segments. The contest will be keen with both the ruling BJD and main rival BJP leaving no stone unturned to capture the seats while the Congress too is no pushover in this belt of the state. All eyes will be on the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat where BJP candidate Pradeep Panigrahy is locked in an intense fight with Bhrugu Baxipatra of the BJD. The seat has assumed importance as Panigrahy was once a close aide of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik till he was convicted and jailed in a job scam. After his release from jail, he turned a bitter critic of the chief minister and joined BJP which has fielded him from the seat. The BJD candidate Baxipatra was the state BJP vice-president and a major contender for the party ticket. With the party preferring to field Panigrahy instead, he joined BJD to be fielded by the ruling party from the seat. The BJP had virtually pressed its entire top leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national president JP Nadda, Defence minister Rajnath Singh and chief ministers of Assam, Tripura and Chhattisgarh Himanta Biswa Sarma, Biplab Deb and Vishnu Deo Sai respectively to campaign in the first phase polls. While the prime minister addressed huge public meetings at Berhampur and Nabarangpur on May 6, other leaders held separate public meetings in the area. Berhampur is in Ganjam, the home district of chief minister Naveen Patnaik and a defeat at the hands of the BJP will be a huge setback for the ruling party. The BJD campaign was led by Naveen and party leader VK Pandian. While the chief minister has already visited the area twice, Pandian has covered all the Assembly constituencies going to polls in the first phase polls. Besides BJD and BJP, the Congress is also in the fight in this phase as its only sitting MP from the state Saptagiri Ulaka from Koraput is locked in a triangular fight against Kaushalya Hikaka of the BJD and Kaliram Majhi of the BJP. However, Congress campaign in this round has suffered as no national leaders visited these constituencies. Besides Berhampur and Koraput, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi constituencies will also go to polls in this phase. BJP has fielded Malvika Deo, wife of Arka Keshari Deo, a former MP and erstwhile scion of Kalahandi royal family, while the BJD nominated Lambodar Nial, who had lost elections twice consecutively in 2014 and 2019 from Khariar Assembly segment. Congress has fielded Draupadi Majhi, a former municipality chairperson from the seat. The BJP had won the seat in 2019. The Nabarangpur LS seat is expected witness a triangular fight between former MP Pradeep Majhi of BJD, former MP Balabhadra Majhi from BJP and former MLA Bhujabal Majhi of Congress. The seat has been won by the BJD for the last two elections. Among the heavyweights in the fray for the Assembly in this round are president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Sarat Pattanayak from Nuapada who is pitted against Planning and Convergence minister Rajendra Dholakia. Former leader of the Opposition Pradipta Nayak has entered the fray from Bhawanipatna seat while chairman of the Congress campaign committee Bhakta Charan Das is contesting from Narla in Kalahandi district. Former minister Dibyashankar Mishra is in the fray from Junagarh while senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati is testing his luck from Jeypore seat. Biplab Patro, the son of former Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro, is also fighting from Digapahandi seat against Odia cine star and former Berampur MP Sidhant Mohapatra of BJP. The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for smooth and peaceful conduct of polling. With six districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi and Nuapada having Left wing extremism history, the Election Commission has declared 17 per cent booths as critical. It has also made elaborated security arrangements deploying 104 CAPF companies in strategic locations to maintain law and order and ensure smooth voting. There will be webcasting in 60 per cent of the booths, chief electoral officer, Odisha, Nikunja Bihari Dhal said. While normal voting time is from 7 am to 6 pm, the duration has been reduced by two hours to 4 pm for multiple booths in Nuapada, Khariar, Lanjigarh, Narla, Umerkote, Jharigam, Nabarangpur and Dabugam Assembly constituencies due to their sensitive nature. The timing has also been kept from 7 am to 5 pm in some booths in Nuapada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati and Nuadapa districts. Dhal said provision of air ambulance has also been made at Koraput for any emergency situation.
Odisha: Security tightened in Koraput and Malkangiri for polls on May 13
JEYPORE/MALKANGIRI: Security measures have been intensified in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas of Koraput and Malkangiri districts ahead of voting on Monday, with central and paramilitary forces deployed to ensure a smooth and fair voting process. In Koraput district, 1,159 polling booths have been designated across Jeypore, Koraput, Pottangi, Laxmipur, and Kotpad Assembly segments, with approximately 9,77,245 voters enlisted for both Parliamentary and Assembly Constituency voting. Notably, 126 polling booths have been identified as hypersensitive in naxal-infested areas of Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon, Laxmipur, Boipariguda, Nandapur, Pottangi, and Lamataput blocks. To maintain law and order, forces such as BSF, SOG, and DVF personnel have been mobilised for combing operations in these areas. Additionally, the administration has implemented five types of mobile security arrangements, ranging from ASI to additional SPs, to oversee the polling process. Furthermore, borders with Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have been sealed, with eight checkpoints established to monitor the movement of individuals. All polling parties were deployed to their assigned booths, ensuring readiness for the election day. Koraput SP Abhinav Sonkar stated, We have made all security arrangements for a free and fair election in the district on Monday by deploying both central and state police forces. Besides, all police cadres have been engaged in polling duty. With no Maoist activity, Malkangiri peaceful: DGP Similarly, in Malkangiri, the district administration anticipates a higher voter turnout, especially from Swabhiman Anchal residents, who will be voting in their own village booths for the first time. This is a departure from previous years when they had to travel long distances to cast their votes due to booth consolidation for security reasons. The opening of the Gurupriya bridge has improved security and road communication in Swabhiman Anchal, facilitating the transportation of polling personnel by vehicles, except for two remote booths at Jantri and Sanyasiguda. Polling parties for these booths were transported by motor launch, embarking on a four-hour journey across the vast Chitrakonda reservoir. Two polling parties have left for booth No 231 and 232 at remote Jantri and Sanyasiguda respectively. As preparations continue, hundreds of women from self-help groups (SHGs) gathered at the launch Ghat to bid farewell to the polling personnel, performing rituals and offering prayers for their safe journey. Reports indicate that polling parties have reached all 547 booths across the Chitrakonda and Malkangiri Assembly constituencies, ensuring logistical readiness for the upcoming elections.
104 companies of CAPF to guard as Odisha begins poll march
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha police deployed a whopping 17,000 police personnel ahead of the first phase of elections which comprises four Parliamentary constituencies comprising a large chunk of left wing extremism (LWE) affected districts. Of 7,298 polling stations designated for the fourth phase of polls on Monday, around 537 are affected by LWE. A total of 17,000 police personnel of different ranks have been deployed for the fourth phase of polls. The deployment includes 104 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 66 platoons of State Armed Police (SAP), DGP, Arun Kumar Sarangi told mediapersons on Sunday. Out of eight districts going to polls on Monday, six districts - Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi are affected by LWE. To ensure the elections passes off smoothly in these places, 138 parties of CAPF and 37 units of Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) have been deployed to carry out area domination exercises and provide security at the polling booths and its staff, said Sarangi. ADG (Operations) Dev Datta Singh is camping in Kalahandi to monitor anti-Naxal operations during elections. To provide quick response in case of an emergency, Election Commission of India (ECI) has provided one dedicated helicopter to Odisha Police to airdrop the security personnel. Sources said officials of seven polling booths located in inaccessible areas of Nuapada were dispatched in the helicopter on Sunday. Voting will take place in Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Berhampur Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly constituencies spread across eight districts of Odisha in the fourth phase of polls on Monday. As some of the districts are in the bordering areas of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, police have set up 51 inter-state border check posts equipped with CCTV cameras and 50 intra-state border check posts to track movement of unscrupulous elements and transportation of illegal goods. Police have also identified 879 communication shadow locations in the state where there is no mobile phone connectivity. To remove this security vacuum, the security personnel have been equipped with VHF sets and motorcycles to ensure unhindered dissemination of information in case of any emergency during elections. Sources said electronic voting machine (EVM) strong rooms set up in 15 places are being guarded 24x7 by CAPF and SAP. About 29 Additional SP rank officers, 57 DSPs, 154 inspectors, 1,457 sub-inspectors/assistant sub-inspectors, 6,639 havildars and constables, 5,581 home guards and gram rakhis, 600 mobile parties, 210 flying squads and 195 static surveillance teams have been deployed to maintain law and order situation in fourth phase of the polls.
Chhattisgarh: Locals, activists claims Bijapur encounter fake; those were not Naxals
Bijapur: Two days after the police claimed to have killed 12 Naxalites during an encounter in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, locals and activists have alleged that the exchange of fire was fake and those killed were not Maoists. Amid the allegations, the Congress sought to target the ruling party, saying that unexpected political pressure on security Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Phalodi Satta Bazaar takes bids on Hyderabad LS seat
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, which normally draws highest national attention, particularly in the Hindi belt, during the elections because of its sensitive nature, has grabbed the attention of punters in Phalodi satta bazaar in Rajasthan. Phalodi is known as the nerve centre of election-related betting as also wagering on cricket and rains. The bookies of Phalodi, it is claimed, rarely get their election predictions wrong. It was said that the Phalodi market had provided accurate figures in the recent Assembly elections in four states including Telangana. The satta bazaar, it was said, predicted an outcome contrary to what most exit polls had predicted for Chhattisgarh. The market opens at around 11 am every day with the rates decided one hour prior and operates till around 5 pm. People place bets mostly over the phone and the winners receive their bounty through UPI accounts. A punter from Hyderabad, who did not want to be identified, said that many betters mainly from Begum Bazaar and Siddiamber Bazaar, had bet crores of rupees on the outcome of the polling to the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, where MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is seeking is fifth victory and is facing a challenge from BJP candidate Kompella Madhvi Latha. It was said that this time, the campaign by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in support of Madhavi Latha in the Old City may have drawn the attention of the Phalodi bazaar.
Congress alleges attack on journalist covering BJP rally
Congress alleges attack on journalist covering BJP rally The Congress alleged on Sunday that a journalist was beaten up at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh for talking to women who told him that they were paid to attend the event. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, ''@moliticsindia journalist Raghav Trivedi was brutally beaten up by BJP men at the home minister's rally in Rae Bareli. The home minister kept speaking and the police kept watching as mute spectators. The journalist was beaten up only because he had spoken to some women who said they were paid to attend the rally.'' Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party stands by the brave journalist who was thrashed at Shah's rally. ''Such hooliganism under police protection against a hard-working journalist who was simply doing his job at a meeting of the country's home minister explains why India ranks 159th in terms of press freedom under Narendra Modi. We all stand with this brave young man,'' Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. He also accused a section of the media of supporting the ''lies'' of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said the other section is paying the price for raising the ''voice of truth'' by risking their lives. In her post on the microblogging platform, Priyanka Gandhi said, ''The BJP, which has silenced the media in the entire country, cannot tolerate any voice being raised against it. The BJP, which is running a campaign to abolish the Constitution, wants to end democracy in the country and snatch the people's voice.'' She also shared a video of the journalist in hospital. Shah attended a rally in Raebareli in support of the BJP's Lok Sabha poll candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh, who is pitted against Rahul Gandhi. Sadar Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Singh said an FIR has been lodged on the basis of a complaint from Sanjeet Sahni, who has alleged that Trivedi was beaten up by some people after the home minister's rally. The FIR has been registered against unidentified people under sections 147 (rioting), 323 (voluntary causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intention to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code, the SHO said. Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel visited the journalist at the hospital. ''Raghav (Trivedi) is saying that they (the crowd) thought he belonged to a different religion as he sports a beard and beat him up,'' Baghel said and alleged that police did not come to the journalist's rescue.
Weather Forecast: Relief from Scorching Heat with Rainfall and Thunderstorms
New Delhi: A wet spell accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is expected to bring relief from scorching heat in East and Central India till May 14, and in South Peninsular India till May 16, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).A Western Disturbance evolving as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan, along with other cyclonic circulations over West Uttar Pradesh and south Rajasthan, is anticipated to bring rainfall to northern India, the IMD stated. Today, areas including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to witness widespread rainfall activity accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The intensity is expected to reduce thereafter, with isolated activity expected on May 13 and 14.In regions such as Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, varying degrees of rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected today. Rajasthan is likely to witness a similar weather pattern for the next four days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, and Karnataka are forecasted to receive scattered to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in some coastal areas.In northeastern states, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds (30-40 kmph) are expected from May 12 to 15, increasing to widespread rainfall from May 16th to 18th.Meanwhile, a fresh spell of heatwave is expected over Northwest India from May 16, resulting in soaring temperatures in affected areas. There is no significant change in maximum temperatures expected over Northwest India within the next 24 hours. However, subsequent days are expected to see a rise of about 3-5C. Likewise, many parts of East India can expect a rise of 2-4C after two days of relative stability. Maharashtra and Karnataka, on the other hand, are likely to experience slight relief with temperatures falling by 2-4C over the next 3-4 days. Arvind Kejriwal's 10 Kejriwal Guarantees for Lok Sabha Elections Yogi Adityanath Vows to Make Uttar Pradesh 'Mafia-Free' by June 4 Tragic Incident in Jaipur: Cousin Murders Relative Over WhatsApp Message
BJP will form government in Odisha: Chhattisgarh BJP chief
JEYPORE: Modi magic has influenced majority of voters in the state as well as in tribal areas and the candidates will do their best this election, said president of Chhattisgarh BJP Kiran Dev. Addressing a public meeting at Kotpad on Saturday, Dev said the development works undertaken by PM Narendra Modi in the last 10 years have created a positive wave among the masses and it will definitely reflect in the upcoming elections in Odisha. With the blessings of the people, BJP will form the next government in Odisha, he said. The Chhattisgarh BJP chief further said the saffron party will ensure all welfare schemes guaranteed by the party reaches the people as promised. He further sought votes for Kotpad and Nabarangpur BJP candidates, Rupu Bhatra and Balabhadra Majhi respectively. Among others, BJP observer Baidyanath Mishra also spoke.
Odisha-Chhattisgarh border under vigil for elections
MALKANGIRI: With elections scheduled in Malkangiri on May 13 (Monday), the district administration and police have put in place tight security arrangements along Odisha-Chhattisgarh border to prevent Maoist influx into the region during this time. As per the directions of collector Sachin Pawar and SP Nitesh Wadhwani, the administration has set up a dispersal centre at the Government Polytechnic College on Malkangiri-Sukma road. Besides, 547 polling booths which includes 30 Sakhi booths for women and one each in Malkangiri and Chitrakonda Assembly constituencies for the physically-challenged have been established to aid them in the voting process. The district has around 4.52 lakh registered voters this election. Briefing the media, the district police headquarters here informed that 2024 elections hold significance for the fact that many places will have their own polling booths for the first time so as to facilitate easy access and high voter turnout. Malkangiri police and the BSF, under the Ama Swabhiman Ama Vote initiative, are visiting all left-wing extremism (LWE)-affected places in both the Assembly constituencies to encourage people to vote without fear or favour. Meanwhile, security measures have been beefed up from dispersal to booth level and all roads and culverts de-mined. Similarly, over 40 area domination and booth security operations have been launched with involvement of SOG and BSF, police sources said adding, more than 50 mobile parties have been mobilised to address issues arising at any given place. It was further informed that 1,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure safe, free and fair elections.
U20 mens football national: No winners on opening matchday in Group G
U20 mens football national: No winners on opening matchday in Group G Narainpur (Chhattisgarh): Tripura were held 2-2 by Arunachal Pradesh, while Madhya Pradesh and Assam played out a goalless draw in opening Group G fixtures of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Mens National Football Championship at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground here on Saturday. [] The post U20 mens football national: No winners on opening matchday in Group G appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
ECI: Voter Turnout in Phase 3 is 65.68%
New Delhi : The Election Commission of India on Saturday said the final poll percentage in third phase of Lok Sabha elections has been recorded 65.68 per cent overall. This is lower than 2019 when during the same phase it was 68.4 per cent recorded. In continuation of the ECIs two press notes dated 7th May and 8th May (on voting percentage), the voter turnout of 65.68 per cent recorded in phase three for 93 Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) in the ongoing general elections, the poll panel said in a press release. The ECI has also given data of constituency wise poll percentage. As for states and UTs, Assam (85.45), West Bengal (77.53) and Goa (76.06) saw the highest polling while Uttar Pradesh (57.55), Bihar (59.15), and Gujarat (60.13) had lower voter turnout. There was decent polling in Chhattisgarh (71.98), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (71.31), Karnataka (71.84), Madhya Pradesh (66.75) and Maharashtra (63.55). It is pertinent to mention that repoll at two polling stations in Bihar and four polling stations in Madhya Pradesh in phase-3 are also concluded... Copy of Form 17C is also provided for every Polling Station in a Constituency to candidates though their polling agents. Actual data of Form 17 C shall prevail which is already shared with candidates. Final turnout will only be available post-counting with counting of postal ballots and its addition to total vote count. Postal Ballots include Postal Ballots given to service voters, absentee voters and voters on Election Duty. Daily account of such postal ballots received, as per statutory provisions, are given to all candidates, the ECI said in a statement on Saturday. The ECI is facing criticism for delay and variation in poll percentage from the day of voting.
Police Comb Maoist Areas With Choppers, Drones On Election Eve
Picture for representational purpose only. Picture for representational purpose only. Visakhapatnam: Para-military forces including the Greyhounds with the help of two helicopters, 10 drones and seven sniffer dogs began a surveillance of the Maoist-prominent areas of the ASR district in the run-up to the May 13 elections in AP. An official of the ASR district told Deccan Chronicle that the security forces are on alert in view of the recent encounter in Chhattisgarh that resulted in the death of 12 Maoists. Preemptive measures have been taken to prevent Maoist infiltrations into AP. He said 20 Greyhound teams, each with 10 members, have been deployed along the borders of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and AOB. As approximately 590 booths are vulnerable to attacks, these personnel are strategically distributed, with 23 personnel assigned to each area for patrolling, while 10 mobile teams were sent to key booths. Suspicious persons are being questioned, but there have been no arrests. Additionally, there are 93 Road Opening Parties (ROP), each comprising 10 members, and 90 Area Domination Parties, that too of 10 members each. The total strength of the deployment is 3000, supported by two helicopters, seven sniper dog teams and ten drones. These resources are primarily allocated to maximize security in the armed outpost (AOP) areas during the election process in ASR, the official said. Reports said ASR and Parvathipuram Manyam districts have identified 651 LWE-sensitive polling stations and 238 law and order problem stations. The ASR district alone has 610 LWE-sensitive polling stations and 85 law and order sensitive stations out of the total 1021 polling stations. The ASR district election officer has arranged two helicopters to fly the polling officials to the Gruttedu polling station under Y Ramavaram mandal of Rampachodavaram assembly constituency. Araku Lok Sabha (ST) seat, which consists of LWE-affected assembly segments like Paderu, Araku Valley, Rampachodavaram, Parvathipuram and Saluru, will go to polls on May 13. Some 30 polling booths in Chintoor and Munchingput mandals have been shifted due to the Maoist-threat perception. Maoists last month released a pamphlet in Munchingput and other areas close to the Odisha border, appealing to the people to boycott the elections. In Parvathipuram Manyam district, out of a total 981 polling stations, 41 have been identified as Maoist-sensitive and 153 as law and order problem stations.
Raging rhetoric, rash of rumours and fear index
The speculations market is on fire as punts are threatened by raging rhetoric and a rash of rumours, theories and reveries. The cognoscenti are harbouring doubts and making acquaintance with nervousness. On Thursday, the benchmark Sensex slid over 1,000 points and the India VIX volatility indexthe stock markets Fear Indexattained a 19-month high this week. Data-dependent denizens, corporate tsars and investment bankers, who devour Peter Drucker and Peter Lynch, are speed-dialling and googling for insights on hearsay and heretical commentary. Suddenly, the buzz catchers in the financial world are checking the odds at the Phalodi satta bazaar. They are seeking the views of pollsters on any signals off the exit polls. They are worried about implications of the Nitish effect on the Bihar tally. They are seeking answers about the Sena vs Sena and Pawar vs Pawar battles, and the erosion-of-seats count in Maharashtra. They are asking questions about whispers of possible losses in Gujarat, of four to five unsure seats in Rajasthan. Used to a world of incentives and motivation, they wonder if the guarantees provided by the Congress in Karnataka are outweighing Modis guarantees. Sometime in September 2023, a senior investment banker who was returning from a dinner of high networth individuals, called to air a question. Was there any risk of the BJP not returning to power? The poser was triggered by the formation of the opposition alliance in Patna. A 10-year reigns anti-incumbency was always going to be challenging. But it was too early for any determination of a trend. A few months later, the BJP swept the assembly elections in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, settling the doubts. It is useful to recall the statistics of the BJP-led NDAs 2019 victory. The alliance swept up all the 26 seats Gujarat, won 41 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, 39 of the 40 seats in Bihar, 25 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 24 of the 25 seats in Rajasthan, 28 of the 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, and 9 of the 11 seats in Chhattisgarh. Modi Magic had taken the count of seats with 50-plus percent votes from 136 in 2014 to 224 in 2019, and the victory in the Hindi belt held the potential of a sweep in the crucial 200-odd seats where the BJP was in direct contest with the Congress. In February 2024, the BJP scintillated its core constituency with a playbook promising Abki baar, 400 paar. The promise was backed by the euphoria which followed the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the promise of a uniform civil code energised the core constituency. It was scaffolded by the large base of welfare beneficiaries and riveted to the promise of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The focus on investment-led growth catapulted the stock market indices to new highs, thrilling the investor community. Cut to May 2024. What changed in the intervening weeks to catalyse the new questions? There is much bafflement among punters and the general public about the shift in campaign strategy. Following the spectre of low voter turnout in the first phase, the BJPs campaign rhetoric has focused on the deployment of euphemisms of identity, resulting in a greater degree of polarisation. There is also a recurring hum of and curiosity about a rift in the Sangh parivar. The notion is contestable given that the Modi regime has delivered on the key aspirations of the RSSthe abrogation of Article 370 and consecration of the Ram templeand promises to unveil more. The debate among puntersand pollsters and punditsis whether the shift in strategy will consolidate the core but alienate the swing voter. Arguably, for the players the questions are less about voting intent and more about market position. Those long on Modinomics are sussing up the landscape if they must go short on their punts. For sure, nobody is as yet calling or predicting a grand upsetthe worst-case scenario envisaged is that the outcome will be closer to 2014s. There is no escaping, though, that the high-velocity attacks are engineering a perception of vulnerability among believers and atheists. There is cause of concern beyond partisan politics. India is the largest democracy. The largest election in the world has over 960 million voters eligible to exercise their right of choice on how they want to be governed; of this, over 18 million are first-time voters seeking a vision for their future. This week, Elections 2024 will witness voting in 96 constituencies in Phase IVwith votes already cast in 285 constituencies, we are past the halfway mark. Theory has it that election campaigns are about ideas to resolve the dilemmas of competing compulsions and conflicting crises. Instead, the campaignacross party lineshas yo-yoed between claims and counterclaims, exposs and denials. The blitzkrieg of sloganeering has scarcely helped the cause of voter enthusiasm. Nobel laureate Herbert Simon had once memorably observed that a surfeit of information creates a poverty of attention. The principle conceptualised by Simon owes its origin to public policy designthe impact of incomplete information and the implications for outcomesand the construct applies to election campaigns too. So the quality of campaigns and the nature of debates this time have left the voter wondering if his/her choice is being informed. Shankkar Aiyar Author of The Gated Republic, Aadhaar: A Biometric History of Indias 12 Digit Revolution, and Accidental India (shankkar.aiyar@gmail.com)
Woman killed after stepping on IED planted by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
Bijapur: A 25-year-old woman was killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Saturday, May 11, the police said. Shanti Punem was collecting tendu leaves near Mallur village within the limits of the Gangaloor police station when she died in the blast, a police official said. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cgarh: Maoists use CRPF, COBRA combat uniforms to mislead security forces during encounters: police
Raipur: Maoists use combat uniforms of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), elite counterinsurgency wing of CRPF, to mislead security forces during encounters. The seizure of combat uniforms of CRPF and COBRA at the encounter site in Pedia jungle under Gangaloor police station in Bijapur district under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh on Friday has suggested this. The Fridays encounter between the Maoists and security forces in Pedia forest led to killing of 12 Maoists including two women cadres and injuries to two other ultras and one local villager who was caught in the crossfire. This was the first time combat uniforms of CRPF and COBRA were recovered along with other Naxal materials including weapons at an encounter site in Bijapur district. This suggests that Maoists use them to mislead the security forces during the encounters, Bijapur district superintendent of police Jitendra Kumar Yadav told this newspaper on Saturday. According to him, the counterfeit combat uniforms of CRPF and COBRA are available in the open market. Maoists may have procured them from the open market. A counterinsurgency officer in Chhattisgarh police told this newspaper that The seizure of combat uniforms of the Central paramilitary forces indicated that Maoists have changed their combat strategy to trap security forces in the ambush during encounters. Security forces had also noticed that the Maoists had changed their uniforms to plain clothes during the encounter to pose as villagers. A peculiar thing was noticed. Maoists after being surrounded by security forces were spotted changing their uniforms and wearing the plain clothes to pose as villagers and conceal their identities. Several Maoists in plain clothes were arrested during the search and cordon operation after the encounter, Mr Yadav said. The encounter that took place at nine different places in Pedia forest lasted nearly 12 hours. The Maoists had laid ambushes thrice during the encounter to target the security forces. But, the forces broke the ambushes successfully and came out of them unscathed. The 12 bodies of slain Naxals were identified on Saturday. They carried a cumulative bounty of Rs 31 lakh. The deceased included two platoon commanders and two area committee members.
Modi predicts NDA sweep in AP, Telangana; says never considered Jagan as ally
Hyderabad: Predicting a clean sweep for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he never considered Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy as an 'ally'. In an interview with NTV, a Telugu news channel, PM Modi said the incumbent YSRCP regime in the state led by Jagan wouldn't be voted back in the state elections. The BJP is contesting the Lok Sabha and the assembly elections in the state in alliance with its NDA partners--the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan's JanaSena Party. I don't believe that the present government in Andhra Pradesh will be voted back. The state's economy is in dire straits presently. We never considered Jagan as a potential ally. However, their (YSRCP's) members did support us in certain issues in Parliament, PM Modi said. YSRCP members in the Rajya Sabha had voted in favour of the Government of National Capital Territory (Amendment) Bill when it came to a vote in the Upper House of the Parliament. The draft legislation on the allocation of administrative powers in the national capital was introduced by the BJP-led NDA. Even earlier, we fought elections as opponents. We never went into polls as allies and always remained at the opposite ends of the political spectrum. I hold a constitutional post and my mandate is to make all states strong, regardless of who is in power. I am committed as much to the development of Andhra Pradesh as I am to other states. This is my constitutional duty, PM Modi added. Expressing confidence in the BJP-led NDA raking in the bulk of the electoral spoils in the state, PM Modi said, The BJP and TDP are fighting the ongoing elections as partners in the NDA. The JanaSena is also with us this time. From the turnout and public involvement in our rallies and roadshows, I can say with confidence that the NDA will not only win the majority of Lok Sabha seats here but will also form the next government in Andhra Pradesh. Expanding on why he sees the NDA mopping up the poll sweepstakes in neighbouring Congress-ruled Telangana this time as well, he added, I see the same green shoots for the BJP in Telagana as I did in Gujarat back in 2018-19. Also, from the vibes that we have been getting from the people on the campaign trail, I see a clean sweep for us (in Telangana) this time. Also stressing the importance of carrying like-minded regional partners along, PM Modi said, I believe that as national parties, we should respect and address the aspirations of regional parties as well. If regional parties are with us, it makes it all the more easier for us to work towards realising their aspirations. When it comes to states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, we need more parties to join hands with us. No matter how big we are, we will be forever committed to taking our regional partners along and working towards fulfilling their goals and aspirations, he added. Taking a swipe at the ruling Congress in Telangana, PM Modi said the grand old party was never the 'first choice' for the people when it came to electing the government. The Congress came to power in the state only a few months ago, riding on a clear mandate and a handsome majority. However, this government has failed at every level. My sense is that there was a lot of pent-up public anger against the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi), which was translated into votes in favour of the Congress. I don't think the Congress was the first choice for the people in Telangana. Asserting that the present ruling parties in Andhra and Telangana do not have a clear vision or roadmap for the development of these states, PM Modi drew a comparison of these two regimes with the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, saying, The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have no vision for the development of these states. Chhattisgarh had only recently been carved out as a separate state (from Madhya Pradesh) when we got a chance to serve the people there. Our government worked towards giving a new shape and direction to Chhattisgarh. Today, the state is home to a vibrant economy. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also had similar opportunities to expand and progress but the leaders (in the ruling parties) either kept fighting among themselves or picking fights with the central government. Sharing his vision for these states, including the development of public infrastructure while marking simultaneous strides in agriculture and urbanisation and ensuring social justice, PM Modi said, More needs to be done to speed up the development of advanced infrastructure (in these states). At the same time, the agricultural development in the rural regions should also be given priority. Urbanisation in this era is inevitable and I believe that 5-7 cities of the state should be developed with modern amenities and brought at par with cities elsewhere. Hyderabad should be developed as a global city. It is not just a capital city but has a global image to protect and advance, PM Modi added. I also believe that social justice is equally important. The Madiga community has been tortured for so long. I have said openly that I stand with the Madiga people. I will also work towards protecting the rights of the Scheduled Castes in the state, he said. Voting for all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will take place on May 13, in the fourth phase of the general elections while elections to the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are also scheduled to be held on the same day. As part of a seat-sharing deal reached between the NDA partners, the TDP will contest 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Andhra while the BJP will put up candidates in 6 Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly constituencies. The JanaSena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. The counting of votes for all phases is scheduled for June 4.
12 Naxalites killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Raipur: As many as 12 Naxalites were gunned down in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Friday, police said, taking the number of left-wing extremists killed so far this year in the State to 103. Two security personnel were also injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Naxals [] The post 12 Naxalites killed in Chhattisgarh encounter appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
Will win Amethi, Rae Bareli by 'big margin': Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel
RAE BARELI: BJP's Smriti Irani has carved her identity by opposing Rahul Gandhi but cannot do so in Amethi this time and will face defeat, Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel has said, exuding confidence that his party will win both the Amethi and Rae Bareli seats in Uttar Pradesh by ig margin in the Lok Sabha polls. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who lost Amethi to Irani in the 2019 elections, has this time been fielded by the Congress from Rae Bareli and is contesting against BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. Gandhi family aide Kishori Lal Sharma is taking on Irani in Amethi. Both the seats have had close ties with the Gandhi family since Indira Gandhi contested and then Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have all fought the polls from either of these two constituencies, Baghel said. They have familial ties with every household here. The decision (of fielding Rahul Gandhi from Rae Bareli) was of the high command and our leaders have already spoken about it. We are fighting both the seats. Kishori Lal Sharma ji has been serving people for over 40 years. He also has had ties with every household, Baghel told PTI in an interview here. The former Chhattisgarh chief minister pointed out that Sharma has been here as an MP representative. The other side is scared, especially Smriti Irani because her identity has been carved only through opposing Rahul Gandhi. Now who will she oppose? She has been caught in a trap now and will face defeat, Baghel said. Congress too made mistakes, will need to change its politics: Rahul Gandhi Baghel is here as a senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer for the Rae Bareli seat and will be holding a series of public outreach programmes as well. Kishori Lal Sharma will defeat her by a big margin of votes. We will win both the seats by a big margin, he said. Baghel also hit back at the BJP for taking jibes at Sharma and calling him Gandhi family's peon and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's clerk, saying it shows the party's feudal mindset. As far as fighting elections is concerned, (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji himself came to Varanasi but hails from Gujarat. Many people fight from different places. Atal Bihari Vajpayee fought from Lucknow but is from Gwalior, Baghel said, rebutting the BJP's charge that Sharma is an outsider as he hails from Ludhiana. On Irani's attack that Rahul Gandhi had run away from Amethi, Baghel said it is not appropriate to make such comments about the Gandhi family. They fear no one, and members of this family have sacrificed their lives for this country. Saying such things about such a family, you are doing politics but one should not lower the discourse to this level, Baghel said. In 2019, Rahul Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala and Amethi. He had won from Wayanad. The Congress earlier this week appointed former chief ministers Baghel and Ashok Gehlot as AICC senior observers for the Rae Bareli and Amethi parliamentary constituencies, respectively. Priyanka Gandhi has taken command of the campaign in the two constituencies. She will be holding hundreds of 'nukkad sabhas', meetings and door-to-door campaign programmes. The Amethi and Rae Bareli seats will go to polls on May 20 in the fifth round of the seven-phase general election. Rahul campaigns for Akhilesh, launches broadside on Modi
